anyone raise rabbits for their own meat?

Chas,

1. What kind of hay do you feed? Grass, alfalfa, mix with some clover in it?

2. How do you keep the rabbits from getting overheated while in the pen in the summertime?

Our rabbits are in a large enclosure on the ground - like a paddock. They live in a colony environment rather than in hutches. But of course there's no grass in there. I'd like to incorporate a "rabbit tractor" but fear I'll cook them in this hot weather.

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Our homestead-in-the-making: Palazzo Rospo
Eating the dream

I basicly have a 4x10 frame covered with 1"x1" welded wire.The bottom is open except for about 6-8 in. around the edge and the cut wire ends are all bent down to discourage digging under.In 4 years moving it at least once a day Iv'e never had an escape.
I have moved it after dark and had it over a small ditch Okay twice,I'm a slow learner!!!!
I keep long handled fish nets for that scenario and for my birds.The last time I just went out with my 22 and potted them in the head and butchered!
I have the whole top covered with plywood.I will replace that soon with lighter corigated plastic panels,when I get around to it
I have a wooden box attatched to the inside for them to hide in and protect from weather.The pen is 4 ft. high allowing for shade,and room for breezes to pass through.
The more critters the oftener I move the pen.
My hay is a mixture of weeds,timothy/orchard grass, alfalfa,and clover,second cutting if I have it on hand.
Good luck and enjoy saving $$$$$
Chas
PS I assume you wouldn't use Chemlawn where your food grazes

One option for feeding caged rabbits would be green chopping. Just use a bagging lawnmower and cut as much as needed for fresh feed each day. You can also cut a bit extra and loose stack it to dry completely for winter use.