Make money with Commercial Rabbit Farming in Zimbabwe

by | Feb 6, 2015 | opportunities | 93 comments

I had a small talk with a friend if mine about rabbit farming in Zimbabwe. I was shocked not by the information he new about rabbit farming in Zimbabwe, but by the fact that from the time I knew him, he had never talked about farming. After listening to his story, I saw no point of not endosing him as Ziminvestors rabbit farming in Zimbabwe trainer. This is his story:

Some 3 or so years ago, when I was almost going broke, I went back to my old passion of animal farming, I figured I used to keep rabbits; guinea pigs growing up, at one point even had 13 dogs. I did my market research on commercial rabbit farming, I did all the studying I could do, went to every nearby farming college, saw all the big farmers in the industry, visited all the food suppliers I could get hold of, knocked doors on every hotel that matters, every restaurant I thought was inclined towards traditional dishes, I was astonished at the huge appetite that existed in the market. Having done all that I brought my rabbit farming enterprise to profitability within 3 months.

If you have been looking for a lucrative income stream, then commercial rabbit farming might be an option you may want to seriously consider. Rabbit meat and other white meat products have become the most preferred nutritious meals not only locally but even around the world. With careful attention, they are not difficult to raise, with an investment of as little as $600 you can run a commercial Rabbit farming enterprise. The current demand for African dishes is high particularly in hotels and restaurants, an individual farmer can only do as much, it requires a robust community of farmers and entrepreneurs who can seize the unusual opportunity.

Since a Rabbit farming enterprise requires a modest investment, which will mostly be channelled towards simple facilities, well ventilated, warm and free from other harmful domesticated animals like dogs. A small rabbit farm could have 10 to 50 breeding rabbits requiring between $600- $1500, in start-up capital. In Zimbabwe one kilogram sells for about between $8 – $10. The best breeds available in are California White, Chinchilla, New Zealand White, New Zealand Red and Zika.

Breeding stock for a rabbit farm may be bought from local breeders. Medium-sized rabbits breed at 4 to 6 months of age and give birth after a month of gestation. Female rabbits can produce up to 50 live rabbits annually, with births high during the summer. They produce an average of 8 kits per birth.

Feeding rabbits is also much cheaper as compared to other livestock species even though supplementation with concentrates or grain is sometimes necessary and definitely will increase the growth rates. Road side grass, kitchen waste without animal products and garden vegetable leaves provide the main feed at almost no cost to the farmer.

As for the rabbit market, in Zimbabwe Rabbits are used for meat mostly. They have also been used traditionally as testing specimens by laboratories. Their breeds usually determine how they are used. And so, before starting a rabbit Enterprise, it is important that a prospective rabbit breeder determines their passion for animals, establish which market to focus on. Will it be to restaurants, Meat braai venues, meat shops, individual purchasers or hotels or breeders? One can advertise his business in local exhibitions like the Zimbabwe Agricultural Show, rabbit journals and rabbit association directories. In some areas, marketing rabbit products is not so easy. So it will be better, if you determine your marketing plan before starting. You can try your local markets or nearest town.

For purchasing Commercial Rabbit Farming Book, get in touch with the ziminvestors team

Article by. Tonderai Mandaza

93 Comments

  1. kalivano maBlanco

    seems to be a good and easy project to start…can u start rabbit breading with the same rabbits that we always kept @ our homesteads? What other thingz are required to commercialise my small rabbit project that i alwayz had

    Reply
  2. kgositsilendlovu@gmail.com

    THUS A LUCRATIVE BUSINESS HEY? HOW MUCH $/ BREEDING RABBIT

    Reply
        • brainy

          tsuro dzako unodzitengesa mari?

          Reply
          • Fungayi Dirikwe

            Please email me th infor. I am in Bulawayo, is there anyone I can contact for breeding stock ?

      • Chido rusere

        My spouse and i are very much interested in this project idea , may you please email me information as well as contacts of any persons willing to share knowledge.

        Reply
        • lloyd

          hello do yu want to start rabbit farming project, type of breeds, more info, join the group whatsapp 0773199278

          Reply
      • davies

        Kindly give us contacts ,either e-mails or cell numbers.My number is 0772713824.

        These projects are good

        Reply
      • augustine

        how are you.
        can you please email me the details im writing a project proposal for rabbit rearing and i really could use your help.
        There are several disadvantaged communities that we are working with who could use rabbit keeping as a source of income.
        please email me at augachikungwa@gmail.com

        Reply
      • irfan ajiz

        i am also interested to join rabbit farming group my whatsapp +923226566905

        Reply
  3. japeluza

    thanks to this page l never had an idea about rabbits
    it has touch me that l would want to test it
    may l know much about keeping rabbits

    Reply
      • Tich

        Mr simba can turn also send me details think it’s a good investment plus sir washylink@gmail.com

        Reply
  4. Mashvee

    Funny, am just getting into this business, but mainly for braai with the boys over weekends

    Reply
    • Simbarashe Musukumidzwa

      Interesting. I was shocked tsuro or rabbits costs $10.00 at a joint around Glen Norah and Glen View 7 area in Harare

      Reply
      • Mashvee

        Man, I need the seed ASAP, where is the expert?

        Reply
  5. Chiedza

    l am interested in the rabbit farming project. where can l get them . Please assist

    Reply
      • Karen

        Hi Simbarashe I am interested in this and would like to learn more please could you send me the information on the rabbit project. Thank you

        Reply
      • Abraham Lincoln Nyakudanga

        Simba I need rabbit breeding stock may you pleas assist 0772940458

        Reply
    • Fouster mhlanga

      Interested in the project contact me

      Reply
  6. Doubt Kuvara

    Thank you sir i was in rabbit farming a few years ago. Pliz where can i find that type of rabbits for breeding you mentioned here and how much

    Reply
  7. Eve

    pse can you send me more info on this project.

    Reply
  8. Sam Njovana

    I am interested in commercial rabbit farming and would be grateful for more information. I would also like to purchase the book.

    Reply
  9. Trevor Cooper

    We supply Rabbit breeding stocks of New Zealand White/Reds, Californian Whites Chinchilla and Rex Rabbits. As well as cross breeds of the above breeds. Feel free to email us on bugsbunnyrabbitry@gmail.com or contact us on David 0772584398 or Trevor 0776191510. Both numbers are WhatsApp compatible.

    Reply
  10. farai

    hie i am into rabbit production please give me more info. thankx

    Reply
      • Trevor Cooper

        Morning. Does the comprehensive booklet cover medications and where to buy the medications in Zimbabwe. I have only sourced one out let for medication to date. the rest of the project i have covered from cages to weaning. also looking for a buyer for the pelts.

        B.B.R

        Reply
  11. Prince Dube

    Please send me info. How much is the booklet?

    Reply
  12. willaed karumazondo

    I am interested in commercial rabbit production, currently i am doing broilers but the margins are not nice at all,where do i get the breeding stock ,and can i get a book which outlines the basic information that i may need in breeding and raising rabbits

    Reply
  13. Rangarirai

    nice im inspired please send me more information

    Reply
  14. gordon

    I am interested in this project. I need to see one that is up and running. Where can I find it?

    Reply
  15. willard

    I am interested,but i dont know where to get the right breeding material eg newzealand white.would want to start with about 10 .

    Reply
    • Simbarashe Musukumidzwa

      Our rabbit farming expert will get in touch with you. We can book you for an appointment

      Reply
      • willard karumazondo

        Thanks Simba, please furnish me with your contact celphone number if you dont mind.

        Reply
      • willard karumazondo

        my celphone number is 0772 113 546

        Reply
      • Karen

        I would like to purchase the book let and also get more information on this if you could kindly send it to me.

        Reply
      • George Chapeyama

        Dear Simbarashe, can you kindly give me information on rabbits, where I can buy the different types of rabbits, and where possibly I can visit to have an insight into rabbit farming (near Harare). Please kindly give me your full contact details, email, whatsapp number etc – I would be glad to get information from you

        Reply
  16. mike nyaunzwi

    Interested in commercial rabbit farming please send further information and provide information on how to set up the ideal pens the type of rabbits and the feeding

    Reply
  17. cavy

    can u plz link m to the suppliers of rabbit seed. i got someone pressing to buy and m like wanna start today. thanks

    Reply
  18. ronald

    hello can you please send me the contacts of whom i may talk to as well.i am interested in rabbit farming

    Reply
  19. wellington chikwira

    cn u send me the details i am interested

    Reply
    • wellington chikwira

      i have not seen anything yet in my email please please can u send the details

      Reply
  20. wellington chikwira

    please send me the details

    Reply
  21. Mai Oki

    I would like to go into commercial rabbit farming(looking at 1000 +) presently a have nearly at my home project. Please advice on cages, feeds, medicines etc. Is there a ready market for rabbits and please advice on current prices.Thank You.

    Reply
  22. Chiedza

    Interested in commercial rabbit farming please send further information and provide information on how to set up the ideal pens the type of rabbits and the feeding

    Reply
  23. tinashe

    hie samba how are you….

    may u as well email me if the ones I already keep at the back of my house still owk if I may use them to start breeding.

    thank you

    Reply
  24. tonde Mandaza

    There are some interesting questions in this discussion,i will respond to the market question;the appetite that exists for rabbit meat cannot be quenched,believe me im speaking from years of experience.i was talking to a new rabbit farmer 2 weeks back,when he heard through a referral that we help rabbit farmers establish profitable enterprises, he got excited and told me that he had 40 rabbits he was wondering where he could sell them, he dropped his jaws when i told him of a single example of an African dishes restaurant (and they are plenty) in Harare, that would gobble his meager 40 rabbits for breakfast, and who require 120 rabbits weekly.So currently the market requires a community of serious farmers in order to attempt to even satisfy it.This is why i developed an easy to understand Rabbit production booklet to raise an army of passionate growers.5 years back when i put my rabbit enterprise in motion i realized that the sea of opportunity required a collective effort to harness it, i would literally turn my phone off from buyers pestering me for more and more of my rabbit meat,So lets get breeding, and walk the walk!!!

    Reply
    • Chido Rusere

      How do i get a copy of the book. is it available inbook stores.

      Reply
      • calvin

        nyc business bro, l wld lyk to take the initive pliz help @ calrubka@gmail.com

        Reply
    • Thomas Matanhire

      hi Mr Mandaza. I want to venture into this project so i would like to know where i can get a good breed. I also need your booklet for me to start up my project

      Reply
    • Maketo

      Tonde, may you please provide info on where i could get the booklet

      Reply
    • Gimmaima

      How do I get a copy of this book and link up with the rabbit farming community?

      Reply
    • Farai

      I am interested in going back into rabbit rearing, can i have contacts of rabbit breeders where i can get the does and bucks to start with. Thanks man for this article you have restimulated my childhood passion. When i finished high school i kept rabbits and in eight months i had lost count of how many i had after starting with only 6. I would like to commercialise this passion. Please send the contacts of breeders ASAP

      Reply
  25. Mutsau Aloisia S

    Am realy interested to get more information about rabits. Have just started the project in Goromonzi Rural area and would like to join the rabbit association. Please help

    Reply
  26. Susan Musvari

    i am interested to start the project. Please may i have details to join the community and where i can visit an established set-up for inspiration.

    Reply
  27. kudzayi

    mr Tonde Mandaza i would really like more details from you as im really keen to do this project as well as fish farming.please advise me where i can get the booklet and also if its possible for me to travel up to were your business is situated and see firsthand!??im in bulawayo

    Reply
  28. Albert Chitate

    I was intrested with the article,”RABBIT FARMING IN ZIMBABWE,”.I need to start keeping rabbits at my backyard in Mhngura,Mashwest province.So l need to know where to buy the bool,COMMERCIAL RABBITS FARMING IN ZIMBABWE.,&Where to buy good breeds of of Rabbits.

    Reply
  29. Trevor Cooper

    Is there any rabbit abattoirs in Zimbabwe that will sloughter for producers. Its hard to try sell a products that is not aproved for sale and the custermer is relying on the producers word of quality.

    Reply
  30. calvin

    hy guyz, l’m really interested in the rabbitry l wld lyk get the booklet, & if any1 with an operating project around harare, l wld be interested to visit just checking out hw its working

    Reply
  31. marufu

    please brother i need to start the project too but can you help me with where i can get the right breed and at how much

    Reply
  32. Juliet

    Is there an abattoir in Zim coz I cant slaughter them myself. Seeing all this hype its funny no one has formed the Rabbit Association to help farmers.

    Reply
  33. Phillip Chits

    Am interested in rabbit farming so please can you furnish me with more information e.g where I can get the breeding rabbits and how they are rared and the markets

    Reply
  34. Gimmaima

    Very interesting project. Kindly email me further info and contact of people willing to share information.

    Thanks and Bless

    Reply
  35. RA

    PLease email me more information. thanx.

    Reply
  36. Brijohn Marangwanda

    l could like to join the group to learn more about rabbit farming how do l find a handbook

    Reply
  37. kumbie

    hie im in byo n i keep rabbits but where to sale to its a challenge.is there a plc in byo wth a abbator n if there ways i can b helped

    Reply
    • phil

      hie kumbie, am interested in keeping rabbits too may you kindly let me know where you bought them..

      Reply
  38. phil

    hie guys.thank you for the idea ..may you kindly assist me with more infor on where to get th rabbits..thank you

    Reply
  39. Muguti E

    I want to keep rabbits esp chinchila giant but I dont know where to get the the rabbits to start with and possibly some funding to boost the business.

    Reply
  40. chevy

    good

    Reply
  41. christopher sumburero

    l m overwhelmed with this story.l want to start rabbit farming.How can l get the books on how to do rabbit farming.

    Reply
  42. MHLANGA ALFRED D

    Where can I buy the right breeds of rabbbits to start
    rabbit production and at how much?

    Reply
  43. thabani semwayo

    Ini ndoda kuziva kuti ndikapinda muRabbit farming ndinozotengesera kupi tsuro idzi

    Reply
  44. L Matimise

    Does commercial rabbit farming have a market in Zimbabwe

    Reply
  45. Simukai Chibanda

    great info,would love to start this project can you email me more info. Thanks Simba.

    Reply
  46. Wilfred

    Everything has a market even wild fruits from the rural areas,even Madora.
    You will obviously have to look for the market,its not like everyone from your hood will come knocking on your door asking after your rabbits.

    You will have to work for everything and at times very hard
    all the best pals

    Reply
  47. Patricia

    Hello. i am very much interested and will need all the information there is from caging, feed, medicines, markets, pricing, abaitors and upkeep. please can you email me asap

    Reply
  48. Carlie mupa

    Interested with the project,I used to do the project my last rabbit gave birth to 14 kits

    Reply
  49. Desmond

    Thanks for such an educative article. Can you kindly provide me with more information about rabbit farming and the comprehensive book you mentioned in one of your replies.

    Reply
  50. Brian Makamanzi

    I would like a copy of the Commercial Rabbit Farming Book where is it sold.

    Reply
  51. Nyasha

    I just came accross this article, years later, but i am eager to try this project. May you please send me literature on this project and also please add me to a group, if there is one? My phone number is 0772528669 and my email address is npparadzai@gmail.com

    Reply
    • Josephine Mvero

      This article has been helpful and informative may you kindly send the information mveroj08@gmail.com. or add to watsap if there is a group 0776082925

      Reply
  52. hillary mandungumana

    I am into rabbit farming . I need more formation on breeds and market.is there a group where we can share ideas.my number is 0771239736

    Reply
  53. Ayanda

    Iv a number of guinea pigs can you help me find market.I’m in Gweru.

    Reply
  54. Wonderful Sithole

    Where can I sell rabbits.I have 3 males and 14 femaies.I have ordered another 30 and by october should be having 60 or so because they are matting.
    I stay in kwekwe and would love to attend training anywhere.

    Reply
    • Matereke

      Hello Wonderful. I know a couple of guys in Kwekwe doing the project

      Reply
  55. Percy T Rigava

    Ndipowo mbeu, also from Gweru. 0779862288

    Reply
  56. MADZINGA JABULANI

    Hie, how are you, how can i start this business, am seriously intrested.

    Reply
  57. Matereke

    Excellent Stuff. I am also into this project.

    Reply
  58. Trevor Sibanda

    I am in need of breeding stock, please help

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts:

Ads Blocker Image Powered by Code Help Pro

Ads Blocker Detected!!!

We have detected that you are using extensions to block ads. Please support us by disabling these ads blocker.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This