Rabbit Farming is a bit unusual amongst the black communities but for 19-year-old Thomani Nengovhela, it’s a passion.

The Tshivhulani born, in Vhembe District, Limpopo developed an interest in animal farming as early as his primary school days. He started with Doves and Guinea pigs.

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As he grew up, Nengovhela wanted to explore something different and started a Rabbit collection during the Covid-19 lockdown. He currently only has 16 rabbits due to the demand and subsequent sales of the animal. A three-month-old rabbit would cost you R 150.

“I am only focusing on Rabbits now so I no longer have the other animals,” he told Limpopo Chronicle.

“I keep them as pets because I don’t eat them. But some people come and buy them when they want to eat or some also use them as pets.”

THOMANI NENGOVHELA WRITES A BOOK ON RABBIT FARMING

Nengovhela is on the verge of releasing a book to help with guidelines on rabbit farming.

“I am very passionate about rabbit farming,” he said. “I am planning a book that will be launched soon. I noticed that there is not too much information out there about rabbit farming.

“So I thought I should write a guide. It is still with the publishers but around September it will be out.” The book is titled “Keeping Rabbits with Nents”. [Nets represent his name and surname].

“In five years, rabbit farming is something that will be common amongst your black communities,” Nengovhela reckons.

Nengovhela also shares how he also uses rabbit urine as a fertilizer and pesticide. The urine apparently contains a high level of nitrates, phosphorus, and potassium, which are needed by the plant to grow.