Kindle Price: $3.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

eBook features:
  • Highlight, take notes, and search in the book
  • In this edition, page numbers are just like the physical edition
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Boyd Craven Jr
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Backyard Meat Rabbits (The Urban Rabbit Project Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Boyd Craven Jr (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 265 ratings
See all formats and editions
The Urban Rabbit Project
Volume 1
Backyard Meat Rabbits

This is the first in a series called The Urban Rabbit Project that will share all of our different experiences with rabbits. Each Future Volume will build on the prior Volumes, but could be read as a stand-alone book. The idea is to allow the reader greater flexibility in choosing what interests them and what they find helpful to them. For example, this one is aimed obviously at those considering the idea of starting a small backyard herd of meat rabbits, but does NOT actually get into any aspects of harming any. It stops short of that. So, if one can overlook references to "meat" rabbits, it could be helpful to those interested in having outdoor pet rabbits too.

There are many books about raising rabbits. I find most very general, including information on keeping rabbits as pets, raising rabbits for show, and breeding rabbits to sell to processors for profit. This book will focus specifically on, and only on sharing with the reader our personal experiences and methods of raising meat rabbits on our 120’x120’ city lot in Michigan as self-sufficient meat for our family. It stops short of the actual harvesting process.

I’m often on my soapbox in support of the argument that it’s easier for a family to “need less” than to “spend more” money to buy quality food. Done our way, rabbit meat can cost close to zero after the initial setup is paid for. There are no taxes to pay, no middleman, no anything. It’s just like we’ve added a meat section to our garden!

Then, just like we do with our extra tomatoes, zucchini and cucumbers from our garden, we can share or trade with our neighbors who don’t have any. It’s that simple. Backyard Meat Rabbits can benefit every family on the planet, in my humble opinion.

Next in the series:

The Urban Rabbit Project
Volume 2
Beyond The Pellet - Feeding Rabbits Naturally

In Volume 2, I am joined by a gentleman with over 30 years of knowledge and experience in feeding meat rabbits. Mr. Rick Worden, owner of Rise And Shine Rabbitry will share with us his take on going Beyond The Pellet. Like myself, Rick has worked extensively at moving away from commercial feed and towards natural feed for our rabbits. We write this together, aimed at a more advanced audience of Rabbiteers looking to take control of what their rabbits eat, what their feed costs are and ultimately what they eat.
Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  2. Publication date
    November 29, 2012
  3. Book 1 of 3
    The Urban Rabbit Project
  4. Language
    English
  5. File size
    1682 KB
  6. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
All 3 for you in this series See full series
See included books
Total Price: $18.37
By clicking on above button, you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use
More like Backyard Meat Rabbits (The Urban Rabbit Project Book 1)
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  5. Raising Rabbits for Meat
    Kindle Edition
    $15.10
  8. Raising Rabbits For Meat
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  14. Rabbit Production, 10th Edition
    Kindle Edition
    $37.24
  21. Backyard Rabbit Keeping
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Boyd Craven Jr was born in Flint, Michigan, USA on December 7, 1957. He grew up in a close, country, family environment in Grand Blanc, MI. He went to school there, and at 18, he followed his father's footsteps into a career with General Motors there where he worked for 30 years and 2 days. Upon retiring at 48 years old, he rediscovered the love for gardening his parents had taught him, raises his own food as much as is practical and enjoys teaching others to do the same. He founded The Urban Rabbit Project to teach others how to add a meat section to their garden, no matter where they live. He published his first book in Kindle Direct Publishing in November 2012 titled "Backyard Meat Rabbits" and discovered that he loves writing too.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00AG3X24M
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Boyd Craven Jr (November 29, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 29, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1682 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 82 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 265 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Boyd Craven Jr

Boyd Craven Jr

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hi, I'm Boyd Craven Jr. I grew up in Grand Blanc, MI, USA and I went to grade school there. I love to read, and do so every day of my life. I, like many others, always wanted to write my own book but had no idea where to begin or what all was involved. I didn't know anyone to turn to for advice, so I resorted to reading books on writing and the directions on self-publishing at KDP. ACK!

I went the non-fiction route in 2012, and was fortunate enough to achieve #1 Best-seller with my first three titles in a genre there.

My son, Boyd Craven III, also a voracious reader, began learning the process too. He went the fiction route. Of course we shared knowledge and details. His career really took off in 2015 with his The World Burns series. The difference in royalties was SO significant, that I decided to switch to fiction also.

Today, as 2023 begins, I find myself still writing fiction, but have discovered that I enjoy mentoring others who've always wanted to write their own book but had no idea where to begin or what all is involved. It's been a very rewarding experience... for all of us. For any of you who think you'd like to do the same, do it! It's the best gig around!

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
265 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Everything thou want for rabbit novices
Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a straight forward primer for those new rabbit farmers. Here is a well considered schedule for breeding and harvesting your crop. The only topic not covered is the mechanics of the harvest.
Helpful
 Report
DB
5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoy turn-of-the-century and pre-industrial homesteading books
Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2015
Verified Purchase
Usually, I enjoy turn-of-the-century and pre-industrial homesteading books, and books like "Raising Rabbits the Modern Way" (1975) by Bob Bennett. I bought this book to sample what a modern example of that "flavor" would be--- ie, something homey and personal and "this is what I've done and what works for me", versus something more generic and "this is the common consensus on how others do it."

I'm especially interested in things like growing forage to help with feed costs. He had some excellent suggestions regarding things to grow, and about his experiences with rabbit tractors. He has another book, "Beyond the Pellet" (2013), which I expect to see under my tree this year, where I look forward to additional detail.

One thing I noticed was that he talks about canning rabbit meat (and how much rabbit fits into a jar), but doesn't provide instructions regarding pounds of pressure, or talks about par-boiling, but doesn't provide a refresher as to the definition of par-boiling. There's a reference to another book in the works in the future, "Rabbits in Jars", but as of this review, it hasn't been printed yet, and has instead been bumped in the timeline by "Rabbits in Colonies" (2013).

So, this book, by itself, is a nice addition of personal experience and anecdote to my homesteading library. It has a friendly, conversational tone; nice b&w photos; and useful bits and pieces that I haven't read elsewhere. It would have benefited from a more polished look with some attention to typesetting, page layout, and book design--- Scribus is excellent and free. Additional information would have been helpful (everyone talks about protecting rabbits from rain-- how do you keep rabbits in those open pens dry?) (you mention feeding fallen green leaves... do less-green autumn leaves have any benefit as bedding or something?) (is rabbit manure effective when spread via pasturing, or does it need to be in concentration?). I wouldn't rely on this book as a single source for any beginner, and am disappointed that what could have been material for one super-awesome book was parceled into a series of thin volumes, but I do find it inspiring that the author has taken the time to experiment with reality, rather than just accepting conventional wisdom on a particular subject.
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Noone
4.0 out of 5 stars Really interesting and helpful, but still uses pellets?
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2022
Verified Purchase
I loved reading this book, but the author talks about not using pellets, since rabbits were around way before pellets. But then he talks extensively about using them (in conjunction with other foods that he grows). I want the absolutely smallest reliance on pellets possible. I haven't started my rabbits yet, and am researching. But, I just bought chicken food, and it has nearly doubled in a few months. Things are getting out of hand, and I want a book that helps me raise my livestock without the co-op as much as possible. This was a great book, though, and looking forward to the next in the series.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
BHellekson
5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Wait to Start
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2013
Verified Purchase
This book is a wonderfully motivating "how and why" to get started raising your own meat. Mr. Craven's style is conversational and very often entertaining. He is honest with his own experience and advice, and more importantly, doesn't overwhelm with too much science or too many scary rules. In the past I have been put off and frightened in starting a small animal project due to details on such things as diseases and scientific feeding requirements. He allows you to believe you can actually do it without being an expert first or wiping out your savings.

It didn't take long to read this book and it was so completely enjoyable. I was even reading interesting bits to my husband. He, of course, laughs at me, so I just wanted him to be prepared as I plan ahead for spring. He has previously seen me hand milk three goats and bottle feed 7 kids before and after work, so he shouldn't laugh too hard. Now that we're retired and decrepit, maybe smaller is better. She who laughs last . . .

I wish Volume II was available right now. I'm not looking forward to killing and butchering but it's amazing what you can do when you set your mind to it. As the price of hamburger continues to rise even my husband might begin to think of rabbit as a viable meat source on a Social Security budget.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
ErinH
5.0 out of 5 stars Just the Right Amount of Information to Get You Started
Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2012
Verified Purchase
So many of these "how to" books push so much information, and so many rules/requirements/needs at you, that your exciting project becomes a non-starter. As a long time fan of the author's Urban Rabbit facebook page, I had a feeling his book would be straight forward and give me just what I need to raise my first trio of meat rabbits. I wasn't disappointed.

If you're looking for a no nonsense guide in raising sustainable, healthy meat for your family, this is your book. I can't begin to express how happy I am that this book discusses a natural (and cheap) alternative feed for your rabbits. Dried, dusty, expensive pellets vs fresh green grass, veggie tops and more...there just isn't any discussion needed regarding how much healthier and tastier the end rabbit will be. And, if you're able to follow the author's growing suggestions, it'll be far cheaper than pellets! Win, win.

My only critique is I wish there was a more detailed hutch plan and feeder plan. The photos and description are helpful, since this isn't our first "farm" building project, but a sketch, full dimensions and materials list would be amazing for a next edition! Also, for those who don't know a builder and/or can't build it themselves, a few recommended online hutch sources would be helpful as well. With that said, the author provides enough information/photos that a reasonably confident builder can find their own way.

Highly recommend this book!
16 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Gabriel Quinones-Medina
5.0 out of 5 stars Great quick read
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2016
Verified Purchase
As someone who is interested in starting a rabbit farm I found this a great quick read with pertinent information to get me started. It is not voluminous in information, you may need to supplement other resources to answer more specific questions. Nonetheless, it does contain great and valuable information. I look forward to reading the other volumes and joining their forum.
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Edward Petrie
5.0 out of 5 stars Start your rabbitry the right way.
Reviewed in Canada on August 26, 2015
Verified Purchase
Anyone who is getting into or thinking about getting into breeding meat rabbits then this is the book for you. It is full of easy to read information that will help you start your rabbitry the right way and to keep your rabbits healthy.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Tony The Ferret
4.0 out of 5 stars tidy book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2016
Verified Purchase
Good down to earth narration of the authors experiences, font is a bit in your face and too bold, but the content is Humorous and down to earth for the backyard setup
One person found this helpful
 Report
K. Schreiber
5.0 out of 5 stars You want to know what you eat?
Reviewed in Germany on February 7, 2014
Verified Purchase
If you are worried about all the medication and the other fancy things to be found in today's meat, you truly should consider keeping rabbits for meat.

Don't know how?

Read this book and you will become a master of rabbit keeping on your own and you know what you eat!
Report
carla beck
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on January 14, 2017
Verified Purchase
Awesome book!
Report
Amanda Lynne Lawrence
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent beginner resource!
Reviewed in Canada on December 12, 2020
Verified Purchase
Well written and to the point. Good basic information on all the topics you must know to begin raising meat rabbits. Great reference.
Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report