What time to separate young does from bucks

[cralwalker]

My ND babies are coming to six weeks of age. I read that bucks can sire as early as 8 weeks but the literature I have read so far is not clear what age the does could fall pregnant.
I have separated the bucks from the does so no rush, just curious what time I should use as a rule of thumb?

 

[Youngfarmer2019]

I’ve heard of does getting pregnant as young as 5 months old, and males impregnating as young as 12 weeks old.

 

[Mini Horses]

It really has to do with individual animal....

BUT because it can happen, they suggest you separate at earliest ages they have found fertility. They will start humping at just a couple weeks -- a built in activity 🥴 -- and nothing comes of that early on. The chances of hitting the mark and both girl/boy being fertile at same complimentary time are slim chances until close to 3 months. Chances are only a little better than winning a lottery until then. Its after then your odds improve. Notice this pretty much coincides with weaning....which is when most division, and sales, occur .

 

[frustratedearthmother]

My neighbor bought a doeling that was listed as 10 weeks old. She kidded 4.5 months later. She was definitely not bred after my neighbor purchased her because she didn't own a buck at that time. She was most likely impregnated by her littermate brother.
Simple math says that she was impregnated at 8 weeks.

I will say that seems to be the exception rather than the rule. As @Mini Horses mentioned they start practicing early. I watch the boys equipment. When they can extend and have started testicular growth - it's time to separate! (if not before)

 

[Mini Horses]

Wow...that would be unusual...but, there's that chance. I've been fortunate to not have that happen! Cause I do not separate at 8 weeks.

Yep, gotta watch the boys extending. . Whatta life

 

[frustratedearthmother]

I've been fortunate to not have that happen! Cause I do not separate at 8 weeks.

I did with the pygmy guys....and that little doeling was pygmy. They are very precocious little things, lol.