The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 564: The Backyard Homestead You Can Actually Do (Even with an HOA) | Laura Cox, Cox Homestead
Sep 4, 2025
Laura Cox, a homesteader and educator at Cox Homestead, shares her wisdom on sustainable living. She breaks down how to raise meat rabbits, emphasizing their high protein value and practicality for families, even in HOA neighborhoods. Learn about worm composting for easy gardening and how her family transformed grocery savings into a thriving agritourism business. Laura also discusses the joy of hands-on projects for kids and practical tips on starting your own homesteading journey, all while still enjoying the community spirit.
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Low-Maintenance Worm Composting
- Build a simple worm bin with two stacked totes and drainage for castings and worm juice.
- Feed minimally (leaves, paper, coffee grounds, rabbit poop) and harvest castings twice a year.
Why Rabbit Meat Is Uncommon In U.S.
- Rabbits were historically a quick shipboard protein but shifted to pets as food disconnect grew.
- That cultural shift and processing rules keep rabbit meat rare in U.S. restaurants and stores.
Flexible, High-Protein Meat Option
- Harvest rabbits flexibly between ~8–16 weeks instead of a rigid schedule like broiler chickens.
- Use rabbits as a high-protein, lean meat while pairing with fattier foods for balanced meals.
