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| ~Breeding & Kindling~ |
| ~*~Lotsa Lops~*~ |
| To Breed....or not to breed, that is the question. So, you have a rabbit or two and are consider raising a litter from (her) them. Being a responsible breeder with a purpose is what the members of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) strive for. Rabbit breeding isn't for everyone. There are many factors to consider before deciding if, and why you want to become a rabbit breeder or just breed your single doe (female). |
| Unless you live on a farm zoned for agriculture, having many rabbits in a breeding program may be against the law in your area. You will first want to investigate what the laws are in your town, county or state about having multiple rabbits as livestock rather than pets. Rabbits are the only animal that can be considered either pet or livestock and before investing time and money into this hobby, it is best to know the laws in your area. |
| The most important factor to consider about wanting to become a rabbit breeder is the reasoning you want to do so. Members of the ARBA strive toward a goal of improving the genetics within the breed to acquire a rabbit of wonderful temperament, health and physical quality. Qualities that are set in the Standard of Perfection book for that breed as accepted through the members of the breed's specialty clubs. Whether your choice to breed rabbits falls under one of the three catagories of Food, Fancy or Fur, there are three important reasons to NOT breed rabbits. |
| DO NOT breed for cuteness, or just the experiene of raising baby bunnies. DO NOT breed for added income. DO NOT breed unless you are willing to put time, money and patience into it. As well as the taking the responsibility in what to do with rabbits that "don't meet the standard" and are "un-wanted or un-usable". |
| Once you have established a reason for wanting to join the rabbit hobby, whether it be for food, fancy or fur, you will then have to choose a breed to accomplish your goals with. The ARBA recognizes 47 breeds of rabbits for show, as of 2006. There are specific breeds for the purpose of one of those three catagories. For example, New Zealands can be known more for being bred for food, Holland Lops are known for fancy and an English Angora can be bred for its wool (fur). All of course are shown under their own standard with higher points placed on such things as their quality of meat, fur or special features that brings that uniqueness to that breed. |
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| If you have decided to join the rabbit raising hobby, first acquire as much information as you can through ARBA, a local or national breed club, books/magazines, libraries, internet and/or feed stores. And most important, the breeder you buy your stock from should be able to offer you starting information. This breeder knows their animals the best and will know what you will be dealing with. |
| Selecting two rabbits that look cute and putting them together is not the way to start breeding rabbits. Careful selection of a pair that will best compliment each other through their combined genetics or characteristics is what will produce quality offspring. If your doe has a problem with longer length to her body, breed her to a buck with a short body to help offset the fault. |
| Genes are either dominant or recessive, or partially dominant, as seen in color. Certain characteristics can be influenced by genes. Some of these characteristics you will want to avoid using in a breeding program.When that one special animal is discovered with a severe genetic fault, continueing to use that animal in a breeding program can still pass those undesirable genes onto future generations. Once you have bred those genes into the line, it will be harder to breed them out. |
| OUTBREEDING, LINEBREEDING, & INBREEDING |
| Outbreeding is the mating of two unrelated rabbits of the same breed to introduce new traits into the line. It can take years to breed uniformity of quality into the line. Runts may not be runts, but the result of different growth rates due to the variability of genes within the litter. |
| Linebreeding is the mating of two rabbits of the same breed who are related by close descendants of an outstanding ancestor. Mating grandsire to grandaughter, uncle to neice or cousins are forms which can strengthen desirble characteristics. |
| Inbreeding is the mating of two rabbits closely related, such as brother to sister. Extensive inbreeding can bring forward genetic defects, lowered resistance to disease, reduction in litter size or fertility. |
| BREEDING GUIDELINES |
| It is important to breed rabbits of proper age, in good condition, and with good disposition. Smaller breeds can be ready for conception at 3 months old, but it is advised not to breed at this age. Physically and mentally, small breeds are ready for breeding at 5-6 months, larger breeds can still be developing up to a year old before their first litter. Ill rabbits should not be used at the risk of infecting it's mate and passing disease onto the offspring. Does that become too obese can have difficulties conceiving and kindling. |
| Does do not have a regular heat cycle and there is no discharge. Checking the vent of the doe can help determine her receptiveness for breeding. A moist, bright pink to red enlarged vent is preferred over a pale pink or purplish color. Does are induced ovulators, the act of mating, being mounted by another animal can start the eggs to shed after the simulation. Studies have shown that taking the doe back to the buck an hour after her first contact with the buck can optimize a conception and increase litter size. |
| Mark your calender for 31 days from the date bred. Rabbits have been known to give birth a few days earlier or later. Having a suitable nesting box in with the doe about a week before will allow her time to familiarize herself with it, and start to prepare her nest for her babies. |
| Does are usually more territorial, and she should be brought to the bucks cage for mating, or the pair could be supervised in the table mating method. Assisting may be needed in positioning the buck or keeping the does tail aside. Keeping an eye on both rabbits while they are together will ensure that the mating actually happens, as well as prevent any possible injury that may be caused. |
| Temperature can affect the sterility or even interest in a rabbit pairs willingness to breed or conceive. High temperatures for several days straight can cause a buck to temporarily go sterile. |
| A pregnant doe will lie down more often the closer to her due date. She may even go off feed or not eat as much as normal a few days prior to kindling. A definate change in personality can arise from a pregnant doe. Minimize excessive contact or handling with a doe if she exhibits behavior changes. |
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| The above chart shows what month to breed your doe in to get babies at the right age for an upcoming show in a certain month. For Example: If your 4H Fair is in August, and you want to show Junior aged (under 6 months) rabbits, then you need to breed your doe in February or March, depending on if you want younger Juniors or older Juniors. |