The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1918-01-17

Let the children start rabbitry in
the back yard If they are in earnest
about helping the meat supply. Rails
Ing rabbits is an interesting and easy
work and the returns will be we'll
worthy of fathers or mothers CO.
operation. Efforts will be quickly re-
warded, for these animals increase
rapidly and are ready for the table
when three or four months old. The
meat is very palatable and nutritious
and can be grown at small cost. In
fact. the cost of producing rabbits is
less than that of any other meat, not
excepting poultry. Rabbits in back
yard pens have proved so practicable
way of furnishing quick meat sup
ply in European countries that the
United States department of agricul-
ture is urging their wider breeding In
the present emergency.
Plan for Breeders Now.
As February rs the best time to
mate-March may be best for breeding
young does-it will be well now to ar
range for breeding animals and to pre-
pare q place for them, with the chill
dren's help. in the yard. Four itters
year, at intervals of twelve weeks
and averaging six or seven young 10
the litter, may be expected If pairing
begins in February.
The Belgian and Flemish giant rab-
bits are recommended for meat pro-
duction, as the ordinary tame rabbit
is smaller and develops more slowly.
Breeding stock of Belgian hares may
be bought from breeders in nearly all
the states at from 81 to So each. They
may occasionally be had from pet
stock dealers. Fancy pedigreed stock
is not required for meat production.
Rabbits eat, hay. grass, lawn cut
tings and green vegetation of many
kinds. Well fed, the young will aver
age FIVE or six pounds live weight
when three or four months old. Prac-
teal experience has demonstrated that
rabbit meat can be produced In unlim-
tied quantities at cost of about six
cents pound. By utilizing lawn cut
tings and other vegetation that would
otherwise be wasted, the cost will be
even lower.
Quarters In Barn or Shed.
Outdoor fenced runs, with hutches
for does when having young and sleep
ing hutches for other stock, make the
best quarters for rabbits In back yards.
The rabbitry may occupy part of or
all of barn or shed, or be built in
sheltered space in the angle between
buildings or walls.
Feeding is necessary twice daily. In
winter one of the meals should be
chiefly of green food, such as roots or
cabbage, and the other mainly of grain.
Roots, cabbage, celery and the like
should be washed free from the soil.
but should not be wet when fed. If
green food Is given in the morning the
evening meal should be whole oats or
other grain for mature animals. A
little hay should be given at each meal
If properly cared for, rabbits are
remarkably free from diseases. The
more common ailments result from In
sanitary surroundings, lack Of care in
feeding and improper ventilation. The
demand for rabbit fur is such as to
make it pay TO save the pelts of those
killed for food. The better class of
skins sell by the dozen, bringing from
80 cents to 81, or somthing less than
10 cents apiece. Later articles in these
columns will discuss the care of the
Young filters, feeding, killing and
dressing, and the possibilities Of mar
keting. Farmers Bulletin 496 of the
United States department of agricul-
ture. "Raising Belgian Hares and
Other Rabbits" will aid the beginner.
The Belgian hare is one of the best
rabbits for table use. II weighs more
than most breeds, develops rapidly and
the quality of the meat is superior to
all the others. The Flemish giant Is
q Belgian hare bred exclusively for
large size, with the result that the
meat is coarser and less delicate In
flavor. These characteristics are con-
sidered by some persons as desirable,
but this Is largely matter of individ-
ual taste.