This archive report was first published on 9 May 2021.
As the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a standstill, many people discovered hidden talents and turned them into profitable ventures. For Dennis Daniel, a resident of Buruburu in Nairobi County, his rabbit hobby turned into a money spinner in 2020.
With an initial investment of Sh400 for two female rabbits and one male, Daniel started Funnai Rabbit Farm. He later bought a pregnant rabbit, and by December, his rabbit population had grown to 25.
According to Daniel, successful rabbit farming requires healthy animals, a good hutch, clean and nutritious feed, and proper care. The hutch should be an enclosed construction with proper ventilation, lighting, heating, and cooling systems.
Daniel constructed a rabbit cage for Sh15,000, which can accommodate 200 rabbits. He later expanded to a bigger cage, which cost an additional Sh3,000. The cage currently houses 70 rabbits.
The most popular breeds in Kenya are the California White and New Zealand. Daniel recommends the New Zealand White for meat production, as it can give up to two kilos of meat when fully grown.
Rabbits multiply rapidly, with a gestation period of 31 days. A doe can give birth to between six and 10 kits in one go, and can reproduce up to seven times a year.
For reproduction to take place, the buck and doe must be kept together to induce mating, after which they should be kept in separate cages.
Daniel feeds his rabbits hay, which costs Sh200 a bale and lasts a month. He also gives them cabbage and lettuce. In addition to hay, rabbits should eat pellet rations, which provide nutritional requirements.
Daniel sells rabbit meat at Sh700 per kilo, while those kept as pets are sold at Sh500. A fully grown rabbit goes for Sh2,000.
Rabbits are susceptible to several diseases, including the respiratory disease caused by Pasturellamultocida. To control disease, Daniel ensures the environment is clean and gives his rabbits antibiotics.
