(Guest Post by Joe Consford of Cackle Berry Farm)
Howdy y’all! If you’ve ever looked out across your ranch and thought, “You know what this place needs? Rabbits,” then saddle up—because we’re about to talk about one of the most talked-about meat rabbits in Texas: the TAMUK Composite.
Now, before you go buy a trailer full of floppy-eared fuzzballs, it’s worth taking a serious (but not too serious) look at the pros & cons of TAMUK rabbits. As a homesteader who’s raised these rabbits deep in the heart of East Texas, I’ll give you the lowdown—straight talk, country logic, and maybe even a chuckle or two.
✅ Pro #1: Heat-Hardy Like a Texas Cowboy
TAMUKs were bred right here in Texas at the Texas A&M University Kingsville campus (hence the name). That means they were built to beat the heat—the best meat rabbit for hot weather, bar none. They have big ears and thin pelts. Unlike some of those fancy fluffball rabbits that melt at 85°F, TAMUKs can handle our blazing summers without turning into puddles of fur.
❌ Con #1: Not the Fluffiest Show Rabbits
Now don’t get me wrong—they’re good-looking rabbits, but TAMUKs weren’t bred to win blue ribbons at rabbit beauty pageants. Their fur is serviceable, but if you’re wanting something that’ll make your Instagram followers swoon, you might look at a Rex or Angora. If you’re raising for meat, though, these guys are practical, not posh.
TAMUKs are a composite of different breeds, making them a type rather than an actual breed. TAMUK rabbits can be shown at county fairs and other events. But they’re not recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association so they can’t be shown at ARBA-sponsored shows.
✅ Pro #2: Rapid Growth for Meat Production
How fast do TAMUK rabbits grow for meat production? Fast enough to make a butcher grin. In my experience at Cackle Berry Farm, kits can hit fryer weight in 8-10 weeks. They convert feed efficiently, which means more meat with fewer dollars spent. That’s the kind of math homesteaders love. These rabbits turn pellets and pasture into delicious protein faster than a teenager raids your fridge.
This makes them a great fit for folks trying to raise livestock the old-fashioned way—with forage, fresh air, and not too much fuss.
❌ Con #2: You Gotta Keep Breeding Records
TAMUKs are a cross-bred line selected for heat tolerance, rapid growth, and calm temperaments — meaning they’re a little bit of everything. That’s great for hybrid vigor, but if you don’t stay on top of your breeding program, things can get sloppy. You’ll need to keep records to maintain productivity, track growth and traits, and make sure you’re not pairing up cousins.
✅ Pro #3: Beginner Friendly and Easy to Handle
Are TAMUK rabbits good for beginners? You bet your boots they are! These rabbits are docile, don’t mind being handled, and don’t spook at every shadow. That’s a big plus if you’re new to homesteading or letting your kids take the reins of a rabbit project. We’ve even hosted a few families on the farm who wanted to see how our rabbitry works before diving in—and lemme tell ya, these rabbits make a great first impression.
If you’re curious, yes—we offer farm stays so you can come see what it’s all about firsthand. Just don’t blame me if you leave with a reservation for a breeding pair and a new obsession.
❌ Con #3: Hard to Find the Good Lines
Look, not every TAMUK rabbit is created equal. You’ve gotta find a breeder that’s been working with a good line of TAMUK composite rabbits, or you might end up with underperformers. Visit the rabbitry if you can. Ask questions about their growth rates and production. And if the place smells like wet hay and broken dreams… turn around.
✅ Pro #4: Every Litter is a Surprise
Raising TAMUK kits is kinda like what Forrest Gump said—it’s like opening a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get. TAMUK does can throw a litter with brown, white, black, grey, and spotted bunnies all hoppin’ around like jellybeans in a tumble dryer. It’s a colorful bag of fluff that’ll flat-out brighten your day. Whether you love variety or nest box surprises, these rabbits bring the rainbow to your barn.
❌ Con #4: You Might Get Addicted
I’m not saying it’s a problem, but once you start raising TAMUK rabbits, it’s hard to stop. You tell yourself you’ll just raise a trio… then suddenly you’re building bigger hutches, tracking growth charts like a scientist, and naming every kit like they’re royalty. Next thing you know, your neighbors are calling you the “Rabbit Whisperer of San Augustine.”
Final Thoughts: Are TAMUKs Right for You?
So, is the TAMUK rabbit right for your homestead? Well, if you’re looking for a heat-hardy, fast-growing, low-maintenance meat rabbit that does well in Texas and doesn’t mind the occasional selfie—then yes. Just be prepared to put in a little work up front to find good stock and set up a solid breeding system.
And if you’re in East Texas (or beyond) and looking to buy baby rabbits, swing by Cackle Berry Farm. We’ve got the kind of TAMUK lines that make rabbit stew and Sunday supper dreams come true.
Until then—keep your boots dusty and your rabbits healthy, friends.
About the Author:
Howdy! I’m Joe Consford— I spent 13 years as a missionary in Africa before settling back down in East Texas on the farm that’s been in my family for generations. These days, you’ll find me running Hardware on the Square, our small-town hardware store in San Augustine. I’ve always had a soft spot for critters—especially rabbits. I raised them as a kid and just never grew out of it. Now I’m breeding TAMUK rabbits to create a top-notch strain. Alongside them, I keep heritage chickens and jumbo quail. Cackle Berry Farm is my happy place, where faith, family, and fur all come together. If you’re ever in town, swing by—we’ll talk rabbits over a cup of good coffee. We also have a hidden resort on the farm, Bland Lake Hideaway—you’re always welcome to visit and meet the animals!
Want to Raise Meat Rabbits?
Check out our free guide…
Related Posts:
- Boneless Rabbit Meat: 3 Easy Ways
- Breeding Meat Rabbits: From Pairing to Fryers
- Champagne d’Argent: The Color Changing Rabbit
Have you raised TAMUK rabbits? Share your thoughts and experiences below.
We bought 10 cages that came with 6 of these – 4 does and 2 bucks. All from 1 buck and doe. Were excited to add them to our fledgling program of Rex’s and New Zealand’s after learning more about them.
They may do well in drier heat but our area, Zone 7, can be pretty humid and seemed to have a negative impact on litters. Same with the crossed breedings.
The end product was a nice sized carcass with a less desirable pelt. Not substantially bigger enough to be able to say this is greatest thing since chocolate rabbit ears.
Their disposition is well mannered and the mothers are about like others. Some better at it than others.
I have experienced some pros and cons with my TAMUK vs. my Rex rabbits:
• Pro – they have big litters (9-12 kits each)
• Con – they seems to be poor at timing, some pull fur too soon and some wait until they’re in labor
• Pro – they’re larger and grow faster than Rex rabbits
• Con – they are more skittish and occasionally aggressive when I am cleaning out the cages (especially when kits are present), they like being pet and handled less than my Rex do
• Pro – they seem less finicky/particular about breeding scenarios – they lift quickly and seem more willing than my Rex does
• Con – they are more combative with the males than the Rex are – I have a special space for breeding to avoid territorial issues but the females still tend to mount the male in dominance before copulation
• Pro – the babies seem to develop faster than Rex, making them more hearty and mobile at a younger age
• Con – because of their mobility, more make it outside the nesting box than the Rex babies do – thankfully their heartiness leads to low mortality when they expose themselves to the elements and they’re quite vocal when they need help
• Pro – it’s harder to tell the kits apart with the TAMUK, Rex babies are all unique and have beautiful markings. I find it becomes easy to play favorites when you know who is who
• Con – TAMUK pelts are just OK, the Rex pelts melt in your hands
Overall, I prefer my Rex from a husbandry standpoint. They’re beautiful, affectionate, easy to handle, and are more submissive in nature. But from the standpoint of production, the TAMUK outperforms the Rex by far. I look forward to playing with genetics, I have a Silver Fox buck I would like to cross with my TAMUK for size. Perhaps I’ll cross Rex and TAMUK for litter size and faster grow out.
I am totally hooked!! Raising rabbits has become a passion more so than a job/hobby. Beware newcomers!