How to Grow New Zealand White
New Zealand White
Oryctolagus cuniculus
vegetableThe New Zealand White is a large meat rabbit breed originating from New Zealand, prized for its efficient feed-to-meat conversion and prolific breeding capability. These rabbits have pure white fur, pink eyes, and can weigh 9-12 pounds at maturity. They are one of the most popular commercial and homestead rabbit breeds for meat production.
When should you plant New Zealand White in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example New Zealand White timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant New Zealand White
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest New Zealand White
Around Sep 14≈ 150 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact New Zealand White dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrive in all USDA zones with proper housing and temperature control (ideal 50-70°F)
Sign up free to see if New Zealand White grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my New Zealand White timeline →Growth Stages
Kindling (Birth)
Birth to 1 weekKits are born blind, hairless, and completely dependent on their mother
Ensure doe has quiet, clean nesting box; maintain 65-75°F temperature; minimize disturbance; check for dead kits daily
Nursing
1-4 weeksKits develop fur, open eyes at 7-10 days, begin eating solid food at 2-3 weeks while nursing
Provide nursing doe with high-quality hay, pellets, and water; ensure nesting box remains clean and warm; kits consume mother's milk primarily
Weaning & Growth
4-12 weeksKits are separated from mother at 4-5 weeks and begin eating pellets and hay exclusively
Provide 16-18% protein pellets, timothy hay, and fresh water; house separately to prevent fighting; monitor for digestive issues
Growing-Finishing
8-14 weeksYoung rabbits grow rapidly, gaining 0.5-1 pound per week until reaching market weight of 9-12 pounds
Continue high-quality pellets and hay; provide adequate cage space to prevent stress; ensure proper ventilation and temperature control
Breeding Adult
1-5 years productive lifespanAt 5-6 months, rabbits reach breeding age; does can be bred and will kindle every 8-9 weeks if continuously bred
Provide balanced diet; separate does and bucks except during breeding; monitor health for respiratory and digestive issues; cull non-productive animals
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Use ivermectin or selamectin injections; maintain excellent cage hygiene; dust bedding with food-grade diatomaceous earth
-
Treat with ivermectin injections or topical miticides; clean ears regularly; isolate affected animals
-
Provide medicated feed or water with amprolium; maintain strict sanitation; remove fecal matter daily
-
Treat with antibiotics (enrofloxacin); improve ventilation and reduce stress; cull chronically infected animals
-
and
(various species)
Dust with ivermectin powder or inject ivermectin; maintain clean housing; treat all rabbits if infestation occurs
Uses
Lean Meat Production
CulinaryNew Zealand White rabbits are prized for high-quality, lean meat with 21% protein and low fat content. The meat is versatile for stewing, roasting, and can be used in traditional dishes across European, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. [source]
Efficient Feed Conversion
CulinaryNew Zealand Whites convert feed to meat more efficiently than chickens or other livestock, requiring only 4-5 pounds of feed to produce 1 pound of meat. This makes them ideal for sustainable, economical home meat production. [source]
Manure for Composting
HouseholdRabbit manure is rich in nitrogen and can be applied directly to gardens without burning plants, making it valuable for compost or soil amendment. Their pelletized droppings are excellent for vegetable and herb gardens. [source]
Fur and Hide
CraftThe fine white fur can be used for felt-making, crafts, or fur production. Pelts can be tanned and used for leather goods, garments, or other crafted items. [source]
Ethical Homesteading
WildlifeRaising New Zealand Whites supports self-sufficient food production with minimal environmental impact compared to conventional meat sources. These rabbits require less space and resources than larger livestock. [source]
Harvest Tips
Market weight is 9-12 pounds, typically reached at 8-14 weeks of age. Process when rabbits reach desired weight; avoid stressing animals before processing. Does can be bred again within days of kindling if managed for continuous production. Maintain detailed records of breeding dates, litter size, and individual performance for selective breeding.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 New Zealand Whites originated in New Zealand in the 1910s and were shipped to America by meat breeders, becoming the foundation breed for modern commercial rabbit farming.
- 🌱 Despite their name, New Zealand Whites have no historical connection to wild European rabbits; they were likely developed from Flemish Giant and Californian breeds.
- 🌱 A single doe can produce 40-60 offspring per year if continuously bred, making them one of the most productive meat animals per unit of feed and space.
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized New Zealand White planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start New Zealand White seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my New Zealand White timeline →