breeding and housing

Question
Hi Brenda,
 i am interested in raising and selling rabbits as family pets.  I don't  have a huge interest in showing right now....  im not even sure they have rabbits shows where i live.  so my questions are: do rabbits have to be kept inside?  or could they live in  hutches in a barn?  I am a complete novice to rabbits and i just want to start out with a rabbit as a pet then maybe breed.. and maybe even show.  what is a good breed of rabbit to start out with?  I am going to the libary tomorrow to get as many books as possible but it would be GREAT to have someone elses opinion as well.
Laura

Answer
All 25 of my rabbits are outside 24/7/365.  They have shelter from rain, snow and wind.  I have found that rabbits kept inside are more suseptable to an infection known as "snuffles" than those kept outside.  A barn is fine, but I wouldn't suggest heating it.  The only time mine even get bedding is when my pregnant does are ready to have their litter.

My favorite breed is the mini-rex.  You cannot beat them for temperment and they are small enough to become house pets if a customer so desires.  They are also known as the velvetine rabbit for thier soft dense fur.  MUCH softer than any other rabbit.  The mini-rex also makes a good show rabbit so they are pretty versitle.  

Don't expect to make money on a rabbitry for pet and show rabbits.  Selling the babies you produce will basically "support your habit" (pay for feed and expenses), but you won't be able to quit your day job.  The money in rabbits is really in the meat breeds, but that is another story all together.  I love my bunnys and enjoy caring for them, so having enough money to feed them is basically my goal.  If you would build a stock of champions there would be more money in the babies, but then you have to invest more money in buying your stock and/or showing them.

The best book for infomation is "Raising Rabbits the Modern Way", I would suggest you purchase that one so that you have it on hand all the time.

If you want more information (what food I use, breeding tips, pictures of my rabbits etc) email me at c_n_spots@yahoo.com.    Brenda