Welcome to D&G TAMUK RabbitShire
in Lakeland FL
Discover the world of TAMUK Composite rabbits raised with love at the Rabbitshire.
We are always working on improving our homestead TAMUK Composites with heat tolerant, rapid growth rate rabbits with gentle dispositions.
Their diet includes pellets, timothy hay, organic greens from our garden including: collards, carrot tops, turnip greens, green bean plants, beet tops, and sweet potato vines.
The RabbitShire welcomes visitors. We are proud of our TAMUKS and believe you should see who their parents are and how they are raised. They are calm, clean, and perfect if you are starting a backyard rabbitry or an experienced breeder wanting to add new lines.
We are dedicated to providing quality rabbits with superior genetics.
Our breeders were purchased in Texas from Michael Vieira who bought all the TAMUK C rabbits
whenTexas A&M-Kingsville University retired their program.
Most of our breeders are 2nd and 3rd gen to the original Texas A&M Composites.
Join us as we continue the legacy of Dr. Stephen Lukefahr from
TEXAS A&M 's excellence in TAMUK C rabbits.
Our mission,
At D&G TAMUK RabbitShire, our mission is to provide high-quality, pedigreed Pure TAMUK Composite meat rabbits with excellent heat tolerance, rapid growth to market age, (8 to 12 weeks), exceptional meat-to-bone ratio plus many other superior traits. We're committed to ensuring that our rabbits are well-suited for homestead meat production with excellent mothering abilities.
We are always available to help new homesteaders get started by sharing what works for us, our experiences, cage and nest box building.
Schedule a visit, we are always ready to talk rabbit.
Our bunny tamer!
Heat tolerance
Our rabbits are specifically bred for heat tolerance, making them ideal for hot and tropical climates. Larger ears with thinner fur and thin coats are among the probable characteristics to look for.
Growth rate
Bred for optimal growth, our TAMUK rabbits mature quickly, providing efficient meat production. Age to table 8 to 12 weeks. That is much sooner than many other breeds.
Breeding
Breeding can and should continue throughout the hot summer months, this will help bucks remain fertile and is a good way to find does that struggle in the heat while pregnant/nursing, and to raise up kits that thrive in hot conditions for the next generation of breeders.
Mothering and Litters
TAMUK-C does should exhibit good mothering skills including adequate nest building, kindling perfectly the first or second time and average litter sizes of 8-12 kits and are able to raise them all.
Kits
TAMUK-C does nurse kits up to 8 weeks or more. Kits can be weaned as early as 5 weeks, but 6-8 weeks is better. They may begin eating forage as early as 2.5 weeks if the doe has been regularly eating forage.
Benefits of Backyard Production of Meat Rabbits
by Steven D. Lukefahr, Joe C. Paschal, and John E. Ford*
Nutritious and wholesome meat. Educational experiences for young people.
Enjoyable occupational activity. Rich manure for gardening or flower beds.