When we started our homestead, we began with chickens. That feels like the natural order of things for most people. Later, we added rabbits. While it was a learning curve, now that we’ve figured out the best care and have our colonies settled, I can confidently make the case for rabbits over chickens.
Here’s why:
- Cleaner – Rabbits are tidier and produce manure that’s garden-ready without composting.
- Easier to Handle – They’re quiet, gentle, and simple to manage.
- Simpler to Process – Butchering rabbits is less labor-intensive than chickens.
- Excellent Mothers – Rabbits are attentive and reliable breeders.
- Extraordinary compost – Rabbit waste is ready for use immediately and truly enriches soil.
- Highly Prolific – With just two does and a buck, you can raise over 200 lbs of organic meat in a year.
- Delicious – In my opinion, rabbit meat tastes better than chicken!
I’ll admit, fresh eggs from chickens are nice but meat chickens don’t typically provide eggs. Rabbits, on the other hand, offer consistent meat production year-round.
We raise ours colony style, though many prefer cages. Both methods have advantages, and it’s all about finding what works for you. All in all, raising rabbits is a rewarding endeavor for any small homestead.
Rabbits vs. Chickens: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Rabbits | Chickens |
| Space Needed | Minimal (stackable hutches or colony space) | Larger coop and run required |
| Noise Level | Silent | Clucking and crowing |
| Manure | Garden-ready immediately | Requires composting |
| Meat Yield | 200+ lbs/year (2 does + buck) | Varies; meat birds only. no reproduction of meat crosses |
| Eggs | None | Yes (layers only) |
| Processing | Easier, less messy | More labor-intensive |
| Breeding | Year-round, very prolific | Seasonal, less frequent. Meat crosses do not breed true. |
