Check the rules first

Many towns that limit chickens also limit rabbits or other livestock. Check your city or county code and any HOA rules first.

Meat breeds

• New Zealand and Californian — the classic commercial meat rabbits, about 9 to 12 pounds as adults, with good litter sizes and fast-growing kits.
• Champagne d’Argent, Silver Fox, American Chinchilla — heritage breeds with good meat and attractive pelts.
• Rex — a medium breed prized for its plush fur as well as meat.

Giant breeds such as Flemish Giants are slower to mature and eat more for the meat they produce, so they are less efficient for a small meat herd.

Start with a trio

Two does and one buck, unrelated, give you steady litters and a backup if one doe misses. Buy from a breeder who keeps records, can show you the parents, and will sell you healthy, young stock — not a pet-store rabbit of unknown background. Look for bright eyes, clean noses and ears, a clean vent, firm droppings and good weight.

Try it: add your rabbits to the free Rabbitry Tracker with their tattoo or ear number, birth date and parents. It builds pedigrees as your herd grows.