How old are roasters typically?

Roasters are typically defined as rabbits that are raised specifically for meat production. The term generally applies to rabbits that are harvested at an age that allows for optimal meat quality and yield. Most commonly, roasters are considered to be under 6 months of age. At this stage, they have reached a size suitable for market but are still young enough to provide tender meat that is preferred by consumers. This age range reflects the ideal balance between growth and quality, ensuring that the meat is both palatable and meets market demands.

In contrast to older age groups, such as those over 8 months or within the 6-12 months range, rabbits in these categories would no longer be classified as roasters and would instead fall into different classifications such as older market rabbits or breeders, which do not align with the typical definition of a roaster. Thus, the choice that identifies roasters as being less than 6 months accurately captures the essential characteristics of this category of rabbit.