Choosing which breed (or breeds) of rabbits you want to raise is one of the first, and most crucial, things you should consider. You will want to pick a breed that aligns both with your goals, as well as your personal taste. If you pick a breed that’s practical on paper, but it doesn’t excite and inspire you, you’re going to end up having regrets. It’s possible to change lanes though, as you figure out what breeds are for you. I have done that myself before as well!
My first breed of choice was the Champagne d’Argent. I saw them for the first time when browsing “meat rabbit YouTube” for information as I was preparing to begin my rabbitry. The channel I first saw the Champagnes on was HickoryCroft Farm. I fell in love with their beautiful silver coat, as well as the color changing process that young Champagnes go through as they grow. I knew that this was the breed I wanted first. Once I had my rabbitry setup and ready for rabbits, I searched for a breeder near me at ARBA.net. There, I found Primal Acres Rabbitry and purchased my initial breeding stock.
I had it in my mind that my Champagnes could be my “show rabbits” that I raise for that purpose primarily, and I would have another breed that I raise primarily for meat. I really wanted to pursue breeding Californians for my “meat breed.” I bought a buck that I was impressed with that my children named Snow Hops. He had great body type and was very well muscled with excellent depth and width. Great qualities for a meat rabbit! However, after searching for some months, I was not able to find a doe to breed him with. (He did end up breeding with my Champagne doe, Denna, however, but I will speak about that in a future post). I decided to focus entirely on my Champagnes.
Overall, you want to pick not only a breed that really speaks to you, but you want a breed that you can source breeding stock for in your area. This is why I want to be able to offer Champagne d’Argent rabbits to both begin and enhance other breeders programs! The more people raising these rabbits, the better in my book!
