This archive report was first published on 26 October 2019.
Published on October 26, 2019, by Irene Mugo, a renowned author.
Mwangi Munyiri's home in Mathira, Nyeri County, is a testament to the success of his rabbit farm. Tens of hutches made of wood, wire mesh, and iron sheets litter his property, with some rabbits nibbling at plants while others are in a corner.
Munyiri's journey into rabbit rearing began over 20 years ago, but it wasn't until recently that he started benefiting from the venture. Traditionally, rearing rabbits was left to boys, but Munyiri has proven that with the right approach, anyone can succeed.
He keeps a variety of breeds, including the New Zealand White, Flemish Giant, California White, and a cross of New Zealand White and California White rabbits. Munyiri's expertise in rabbit rearing has earned him a reputation as a model farmer, attracting hundreds of farmers to his land.
"I have been doing this for 23 years. Rabbits breed many times and mature fast," Munyiri said. He advises farmers to consider having a hutch measuring two-by-two and a half feet for every rabbit and to separate kits from female and male pens when they are weaned two months after birth.
For optimal body weight, Munyiri feeds his animals on sweet potato vines, Napier, and maize stalks. During drought, he gives the animals rabbit pellets. A rabbit goes for Sh300 to Sh500, depending on weight and breed.
"I use grass and other readily available feeds," Munyiri said, adding that he avoids chemicals and supplements. It is for this reason that judges picked his rabbits as the best. The judges were looking at the weight of the rabbits, feeding, and purity of the breed.
Robert Thuo, an animal expert, says farmers should know that the animals are prolific breeders. "A doe that is less than five months old should not be served. Wait until they are mature enough," Thuo said.
