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Breeding Big Rabbits
Topic Started: Nov 25 2013, 08:26 AM (252 Views)
ZRabbits
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My breeder gave me some great tips on when to breed Amelia, but just wanted some other opinions on the subject.

With small rabbits, I know most go by age. 6 months is usually when most do breed first timers. Some do breeder at a younger age with success. I did wait until Luna was 8 months which turned out to be a pleasant experience.

I know that with bigger rabbits, weight is what some look at, instead of age. I was told 14 pounds for a Flemish was ideal, plus making sure the dewlap is well developed.

Would love to hear others view on breeding bigger rabbits. I want to make sure my doe is ready as I did with my small doe.

Thanks!

Also when do you let kits go to new homes or breeders? My breeder holds on to all his kits until they are 3 months old. Just to make sure all is well. I plan to hold on to my kits until then, but just was curious as to what others do.

KAZ
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NeuBunny
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With any breed, I wouldn't breed a doe until she's reached senior weight per the show standard and at least 6 months. I don't have any really big breeds (FA's are still a 4 class and minimum senior weight of 7.5 pounds) - but understand that bigger breeds may need longer to mature - I've heard 8 or even 10 months.

I do think does should be bred before they reach a year old for best success. Not that you can't successfully breed an older doe for the first time - just higher risk that they won't take and/or mothering instincts won't kick in.

Bucks I'm a little more forgiving on. I wouldn't fault a buck under 6 months or under weight if the doe doesn't take -- but I don't think there is any risk to the buck in trying -- possibly risking a small litter due to low sperm count. I also sometimes plan to use a small buck (even one that is adult but never made show weight) with bigger does to try to bring the size down (and in the hopes that I'm doing a true-dwarf/false-dwarf match). Case in point -- at 5 months Joshua's Moonblossom (minirex doe) just got DQ'ed for long ears (and hovering at max weight) -- planning to match her with Kage (tiny buck - with tiny ears - that is 1.5 years old but is just under show weight) --- that is assuming I can get Josh to accept that it is OK to use his sister's buck (not sure why, but that really bugs him).
Edited by NeuBunny, Nov 25 2013, 09:20 AM.
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redbunny
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Z I dd think your two looked big and wondered how long the breeder held them for. Three months....wow.....I'll go for that. Many let them go too early.

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ZRabbits
Love My Lions!
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NeuBunny
Nov 25 2013, 09:19 AM
With any breed, I wouldn't breed a doe until she's reached senior weight per the show standard and at least 6 months. I don't have any really big breeds (FA's are still a 4 class and minimum senior weight of 7.5 pounds) - but understand that bigger breeds may need longer to mature - I've heard 8 or even 10 months.

I do think does should be bred before they reach a year old for best success. Not that you can't successfully breed an older doe for the first time - just higher risk that they won't take and/or mothering instincts won't kick in.

Bucks I'm a little more forgiving on. I wouldn't fault a buck under 6 months or under weight if the doe doesn't take -- but I don't think there is any risk to the buck in trying -- possibly risking a small litter due to low sperm count. I also sometimes plan to use a small buck (even one that is adult but never made show weight) with bigger does to try to bring the size down (and in the hopes that I'm doing a true-dwarf/false-dwarf match). Case in point -- at 5 months Joshua's Moonblossom (minirex doe) just got DQ'ed for long ears (and hovering at max weight) -- planning to match her with Kage (tiny buck - with tiny ears - that is 1.5 years old but is just under show weight) --- that is assuming I can get Josh to accept that it is OK to use his sister's buck (not sure why, but that really bugs him).
Thanks Neubunny, truly appreciate your input. Definitely feel better with my plans to breed my Flemish.

KAZ
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ZRabbits
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redbunny
Nov 25 2013, 03:18 PM
Z I dd think your two looked big and wondered how long the breeder held them for. Three months....wow.....I'll go for that. Many let them go too early.

The breeder just wants to make sure they are truly weaned and standing on their own.

I plan to hold them that long to evaluate those that I want to keep, those I would like to sell, and those what will go to FC.

KAZ
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redbunny
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What's FC? Please excuse my ignorance....
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ZRabbits
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redbunny
Nov 26 2013, 03:50 PM
What's FC? Please excuse my ignorance....
"FC" is the term "Freezer Camp". PETA hates the word "dispatching" so the meat group refrained from saying they were culling as in dispatching.

We plan on having a few of the kits grow and become food. I know exactly what they have been fed and where they come from.

It's getting ugly out there. We have no clue where our food source is originating from or what's in it. I want to make sure I have food. I'm not an extremist, just know what I like and know what I need to do for my husband and myself.

It's just the two of us. Not rich by any imagination. I live from day to day and just trying to survive in a very poor economy. This way I can enjoy my fruits and my labor. And believe me, very thankful for what I have. And I plan to keep it.

KAZ
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