Ms. Research
Herd Nerd On A Mission
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- Jul 13, 2011
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Gotcha. Thanks, your reply really makes sense. Helps unwrap the brain and see what I witnessed with my own bucks. And understand that 4 months, if any breed doe is ready, it would be safe to try for a litter.oneacrefarm said:Not necessarily smaller, no. I raise Cali's and now Standard Rex as well. As I said, this is only what I have observed with my own rabbits. If they seem ready, I breed them at 17wks. If not, I wait until I see signs of readiness, ie. pink/purple vulva, "riding" on their cage mate, irritability, etc.Ms. Research said:So smaller rabbits do mature faster, but it depends on the individual rabbit? Is that what you are saying?oneacrefarm said:Actually, there is some evidence that 4-5 mos is the ideal time to breed for the first time, and that younger does seem to get it right more often the first time than those that are older at their first litter. However, it really is up to you and your rabbit. IF the rabbit seems ready by checking the genitals, they should be bright pink to purple/red, then go for it. Your buck won't be ready at this age, they probably need to be 5-6 mos at least. I have two does right now that I bred at 16 weeks and they both built lovely nests, pulled fur, had their kits in the nest, fed them and pulled more fur to cover. Their kits are thriving. I also had two that I waited until 7 mos to breed...both kindled in box, on the hay, but did not make a nest, pull fur or feed the kits. All 14 kits died. It is probably anecdotal so far, but I mean to keep trying this to see how it works.
As I will be breeding small rabbits (Lionheads), and seeing how fast at 4 months my Polish matured, I am kind of seeing the logic of starting does that early. But I can't wrap my head around that 4 month though. I still considered them babies.
K
If you think about the speed with which they gestate, and the average life expectancy, 4 months is more like an older teenager than a baby for a rabbit.
K