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What should I look for when choosing rabbits for breeding?
Most
people choose to keep either a single buck
(male), or a pair of does (females).
However, if homes can be found for the
plentiful offspring of their rabbits, owners
are likely to be successful in breeding
them. The most important thing is a record
of good health for both potential parents.
It is also preferable if their parents
lived long and healthy lives. Look for good
eyes and coat, quick alert movements and a
healthy appetite.
How old should a breeding pair be?
Small
breeds may reach sexual maturity by the age of 4
months, large breeds may take six months or so,
but it is advisable to delay breeding until around
the ages of six or ten months respectively.
Females should usually be retired from breeding at
the age of about 2 or 3 years.
What sort of cage is best?
One
feature of a professional breeding hutch that can
be incorporated into a pet doe's hutch at breeding
time is a shelf. When the young are born this
simple feature will allow the doe to get away from
her babies for some much needed
respite.
When will the female be ready?
The
remarkable proliferation of rabbits is
partly due to the fact that the female does
not have a true estrous cycle. She is able
to conceive at any time, even almost
immediately after giving birth. This is why
the buck should be separated immediately
after mating, since it would be unfair to
expect her to produce a continual stream of
offspring. Certain factors such as molting,
lactation, underfeeding, and the seasons may
limit her potential to be on heat for long
periods.
How will I be able to help?
Do not handle the doe too much
before birth. If you need to lift her, make sure
you support her very well. The doe's diet must
be adjusted for her pregnancy: Gradually
increase the volume of food given to her until
she is being fed approximately double the
quantity as before at the time of giving birth.
Continue to feed her as she requires, and she
may need up to three times her regular amount by
the time the young are 3 weeks old.
Should the father be present?
The
buck should be removed immediately after
mating to allow the doe to maintain her
strength and provide peace and quiet. This
is also to avoid subsequent matings.
How long is the gestation period?
The length of pregnancy varies
between 28 and 34 days, but is largely reckoned
to be 31 days. Add 12 hours to this for larger
breeds. Young rabbits (kittens) are normally
born at night and litters can reach up to 24 on
rare occasions,
although between 5 and 12 is more common.
How do I know that the young are healthy?
Kittens
could weigh 30g or less for small breeds or
large litters or up to 70g from a large breed or
small litter. Kittens are born helpless with no
fur and with their eyes and ears closed. By the
end of the first week the fur will begin to grow,
sometimes a little fur is apparent even after 2
days. The eyes and ears open by the end of the
second week, usually around the tenth day. During the third week the young
will begin to leave the nest and to take their
first solid food.
How long are the young suckled for?
The usual length of time is
around 6 weeks, and possibly as long as 8
weeks.
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