| Welcome to Rabbit Addict. The forums are a place to discuss all things related to rabbits and cavy. From breeding to pet, emergency to genetics questions. Our members are a mix of genetics enthusiasts, breeders, and pet owners looking to share their animals. Hop on in and join the fun! We don't bite. I promise. You're currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and there are some features you can't use. If you join our community, you'll be able to access member-only sections, and use many member-only features such as joining the discussion, customizing your profile, sending personal messages, and voting in polls. Registration is simple, fast, and completely free. If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features: |
| Does which don't kit. | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Aug 26 2013, 10:46 AM (596 Views) | |
| NeuBunny | Aug 29 2013, 02:57 PM Post #16 |
|
Genetics Geek!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
FYI - not completely true for the guinea pigs either ... bones don't fuse there either (on a cavy board, a British vet with 20 years experience specializing in cavies shared his experience with x-rays as proof of that) , but ligaments do have to stretch a LOT during delivery and sows that haven't had a litter before they reach a year old (AND older sows that haven't had a litter in over a year) DO have a much higher rate of pregnancy complications -- as do animals kept in smaller cages and/or without cagemates (i.e., guinea pigs that don't get enough exercise). Note with the cavies - they DO still get pregnant just as easily -- they just have trouble delivering. Rabbits seem to have a different issue -- as noted above, fat accumulation around internal organs can cause sterility in older does. They have more trouble conceiving -- not with giving birth in the cases where they do get pregnant. Condition and exercise, therefore, is going to play a role over and above age. Recommended 'best breeding ages' vary a lot among the breeds. Smaller breeds usually seem to recommend a first breeding between 6 and 8 months of age. Bigger breeds recommend waiting until 8-10 months. Most suggest a first breeding before 1 year, but that certainly isn't a 'magic' number. Plenty of does have a first litter just fine at 2 years old. Recommended 'time off between breedings' varies a lot too. Keeping a doe constantly pregnant or nursing is going to be stressful (and likely decrease fertility) - but going too long between litters can allow excess fat accumulation and a drop in fertility as well. Personally and on my very limited experience (but a whole lot of reading!) I think it's better to judge by the individual than trust to generalities. As to the case at hand ... (1) has she been tried with proven bucks (bucks that sired litters on other does)? (2) have you tried apple cider vinegar? (capful in drinking water for both doe and buck for a week prior to breeding) -- the only time I tried the ACV it didn't work, but I know a lot of folks who swear by it. |
![]() |
|
| sidd-says-gimme | Aug 29 2013, 03:04 PM Post #17 |
|
sidd says stay gold
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
With my Hollands, I almost always wait until 7-10 months old before even breeding them... so they would be a month older before kindling. I find that my does look too small at 6 months old to breed (unless they are a false dwarf... in that case, I sometimes breed earlier than with my true dwarf gals). Mine grow a little more and fill out quite a bit between 6-8 months which makes me think that perhaps 6 months old is too young for my smaller does. I agree, it does depend on the breed and the individual rabbit. |
![]() |
|
| redbunny | Aug 29 2013, 03:12 PM Post #18 |
![]()
Hey, look at you! You chatterbox you. Now you can request a new title! PM the Admin to do so
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Very informative NeuBunny, thank you. I've tried everything with this doe except the vinegar....sounds like something which came with the lunar calendar but I'll give it a go. I like to rest the does between litters even if the present youngsters aren't showing much promise. I know does can reach peak breeding fitness and throw themselves at the buck. If I can extend the breeding age, I will as I don't want to be pressured into breeding a doe just because she's a year old but I do appreciate there's a risk leaving it too long. Would be easier to clone them
|
![]() |
|
| ZRabbits | Aug 30 2013, 05:48 AM Post #19 |
|
Love My Lions!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks Neubunny regarding explaining about guinea pigs and "fusing" pelvis. Amazing what info is out there that is not true. Exercise I think is the key to help keep does healthy and producing. But also think that mental stimulation plays a small but important part. Not just for does but for bucks also. |
![]() |
|
| redbunny | Aug 30 2013, 02:49 PM Post #20 |
![]()
Hey, look at you! You chatterbox you. Now you can request a new title! PM the Admin to do so
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Zrabbits I think you have a big point re mental stimulation. I have come to believe rabbits not only get bored but depressed without this mentl stimulation. Simply moving my cages in my rabbitry so that the rabbits can see each other has made a big difference. One of my previously quietest buck who just sat by the cage front all the time is more active and sowing a real interest in things. |
![]() |
|
| ZRabbits | Aug 31 2013, 04:40 AM Post #21 |
|
Love My Lions!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I don't know if it really works about moving rabbits in different spots in a rabbitry, but it sure works here. And I'm glad you see a difference when you rearranged your rabbitry. It just seems that my Z-Tribe was always curious about each other. And then when we mix them up, it's like a whole new world for them. They really perk up. Get very energetic and curious. Rabbits are smart. They may not be Einsteins but they are not as dumb as most think. They are a prey animal that has to think on its feet. And very acute to changes. But this rearrangement doesn't seem to set them back but brings them forward, if you know what I'm trying to say. I guess I spend too much time with my Z-Tribe, lol But it's the best time for me. Enjoy them immensely and will do whatever I can to stimulate them both physically and mentally. |
![]() |
|
| redbunny | Aug 31 2013, 03:05 PM Post #22 |
![]()
Hey, look at you! You chatterbox you. Now you can request a new title! PM the Admin to do so
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
With this in mind I have decided that if this doe is not able to have kits and because she's very calm I'm going to let her live with one of my retired bucks. Company! They are in togetter now and stretched out next to each other looking very contented. |
![]() |
|
| sidd-says-gimme | Aug 31 2013, 05:16 PM Post #23 |
|
sidd says stay gold
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Nice! I hope he doesn't bother her too much and that they will get along great! Maybe you'll get lucky and get babies... but if not then it should be nice to see them with a friend. |
![]() |
|
| ZRabbits | Aug 31 2013, 10:19 PM Post #24 |
|
Love My Lions!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Sounds lovely. Maybe that "company" might stimulate your doe and she might actually conceive. Unless your "retired" bucks are neutered, could be a possibly like Sidd brought up. If not, hoping they continue to enjoy each other's company. Enjoy watching my rabbits interact. Not brave enough though with housing two in the same space. |
![]() |
|
| redbunny | Sep 5 2013, 02:41 PM Post #25 |
![]()
Hey, look at you! You chatterbox you. Now you can request a new title! PM the Admin to do so
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Zrabbits I think deep down I still hope she might have a litter. Fingers crossed. |
![]() |
|
| ZRabbits | Sep 6 2013, 05:26 AM Post #26 |
|
Love My Lions!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Fingers crossed for your doe. Hoping she surprises you with a litter of healthy kits. |
![]() |
|
| NeuBunny | Sep 6 2013, 09:35 AM Post #27 |
|
Genetics Geek!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I've had Zoe in with Victor for almost a week now. He guards the door and won't let me take her out (not that I'm trying too hard). She seems content, so I'm letting him get away with it. Hope they aren't too mad tomorrow when I put her back in her own cage (next to his). lol - if she doesn't take after all this time, either he's sterile or it's the crazy weather (heat sterile).
Edited by NeuBunny, Sep 6 2013, 09:39 AM.
|
![]() |
|
| redbunny | Sep 6 2013, 11:39 AM Post #28 |
![]()
Hey, look at you! You chatterbox you. Now you can request a new title! PM the Admin to do so
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I always feel a bit funny separating bunnies which seem to really get on together. |
![]() |
|
| ZRabbits | Sep 7 2013, 06:44 AM Post #29 |
|
Love My Lions!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
My rabbits will all have their own individual space. I find they get comfort out of knowing they have that space. With breeding, I will be doing the same as I did with Neville and Luna. There will be a neutral space for breeding. No fights, no controlling, no anxiety, no stress. |
![]() |
|
| NeuBunny | Sep 7 2013, 07:24 PM Post #30 |
|
Genetics Geek!
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Zoe safely back in her own space now (adjacent to Victor). He doesn't seem too terribly put out. I did have to grab him first and put him in a carrier as he wasn't going to let me reach past him to touch her. |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Breeding Basics · Next Topic » |





![]](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c319/bunniluver/pip_rgt.png)




3:30 AM Jul 11