Posie's Rabbitry

Posie’s Rabbitry raises primarily New Zealand White rabbits, although we currently have several American Chinchillas, and various other breeds we picked up along the way. Raised in the mild consistent climate of the Puget Sound area, we breed year around. At any given time, we have weaned kits, juniors, seniors, and breeding pairs available for purchase. Please contact us for more information and current stock.

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About our Rabbits

We raise primarily whites. A female rabbit is fertile all year long with a gestation period around 28 days. A few days before birth, a nest box should be provided for the new mother. The doe will pull fur from her dew flap and, along with hay or other materials provided, will create a nest. The young are called kits and are born hairless with their eyes closed. Fur begins to grow in by day 5 or 6 and after 10 to 12 days the kits' eyes will open. At the age of three weeks their mother will begin to wean those off milk, meanwhile the kits will begin to eat hay and pellets. The average number of kits per litter is six but can range from two to twelve. New Zealand whites have well-rounded bodies; slender and muscular faces with round cheeks; large, long back feet; and small, short front feet. They have long perforated ears that stand straight up. Their ears have shorter fur that allows the delicate pale pink of their skin to show through. New Zealand white rabbits have bright eyes, which range in shade from pale pink to bright ruby red.

Rabbit History

New Zealand rabbits are a domestic breed of rabbit, which despite the name, are American in origin. In 1916, W.S. Preshaw bred the first litter of New Zealand white rabbits with a plan to produce a rabbit that would be excellent for meat and fur trade. New Zealand rabbits do come in white, brick red, and black.

Rabbit Products

ShorelineFarmSupply.com, a division of Shoreline Sustainable Living, carries a full line of feeds for all your urban farm needs. We carry for delivery an All Natural Rabbit feed- 25# or 50#, Nutrena Rabbit- 50# bag, Timothy grass- 1/2 or full bale, Straw- ½ or full bale, and Shavings- pine or fir 10 cu ft. Please check out our products page for more info.

Rabbit Uses

New Zealand white rabbits were originally bred for their meat and fur, but their body type helped to contribute to them becoming the favorite breed of domestic pet rabbits as well. Males (bucks) weigh between 8-10 pounds, while the females (does) can weigh between 9-12 pounds at breeding age. Rabbits are an excellent abundant meat source. One breeding pair of rabbits can turn into 50 rabbits in one year. Small bones and a high percentage of dense proteins, make NZ an excellent and cost effective way of raising your own meat with minimal care. NZ whites pelts or skins can be tanned and dyed to be used for crafts, clothing trim or decorations. Rabbit bones can be turned into a flavorful stock and their manure is an excellent top dressing to any flower or vegetable garden. You can use 100% of the rabbits for minimal waste.

Rabbit Care

New Zealand, as well as other rabbit breeds, needs minimal but very important care. Sanitation in your Rabbitry is very important. Proper rotation and removal of manure keeps pests down. Daily clean water and fresh dry feed is essential to animal health. Rabbits require daily feeding of pellets and a free choice (or always available) amount of Timothy hay. We sell an all-natural line of Rabbit feed that is pesticide and GMO free. We can also delivery ½ and full bales of straw and Timothy grass with free delivery in the Puget Sound area. NZ are gentle giants and, when handled from birth, they are very affectionate and easy to handle. All of our rabbits are handled from weaning by my girls.