Deciding to breed
When deciding to breed your rabbit, it is important to consider all of the consequences. Many people jump in with both feet, and find themselves in over their head. This is true of many things, however when dealing with live animals, it is very important to think things through.
Things to Consider before Breeding
1. Why do I want to Breed? You should not be breeding simply to experience the miracle of birth, or because you like your rabbit and want more like it. Breeding should be done to promote a breed of rabbit, using excellent examples of that breed.
2. Am I willing to risk my doe? Every breeding has the risk of resulting in the death of the kits, as well as of the doe. Are you willing to lose your rabbit in the hopes of making more?
3. What will I do with the kits? Rabbits can have 12+ kits in a litter, and some does are indeed able to raise them all. Do you have room for all of those rabbits if you are unable to sell them?
4. Is my rabbit worth breeding? While anyone can throw two rabbits together and end up with kits, it is best to start with two purebred rabbits who are good representations of the breed.
5. Do I have the time? Baby rabbits need to be handled from day one, to get them accustomed to people. They are messy, and will increase your cleaning load.
6. Can I cull an ill or injured kit? Having baby rabbits isn't all fun and fluff. Sometimes, the kits are not formed right in the womb, which can result in stillborn kits, or kits who are deformed. Also, they are relatively fragile and can become injured. It may not be possible to take the rabbit to a vet to put it down, and you may be required to dispatch a kit or rabbit who is injured and suffering.
Anyone interested in more information regarding breeding should contact me directly, via the contact form of my website. I am more than happy to answer any and all questions regarding breeding, and to help new breeders learn the ropes.
Things to Consider before Breeding
1. Why do I want to Breed? You should not be breeding simply to experience the miracle of birth, or because you like your rabbit and want more like it. Breeding should be done to promote a breed of rabbit, using excellent examples of that breed.
2. Am I willing to risk my doe? Every breeding has the risk of resulting in the death of the kits, as well as of the doe. Are you willing to lose your rabbit in the hopes of making more?
3. What will I do with the kits? Rabbits can have 12+ kits in a litter, and some does are indeed able to raise them all. Do you have room for all of those rabbits if you are unable to sell them?
4. Is my rabbit worth breeding? While anyone can throw two rabbits together and end up with kits, it is best to start with two purebred rabbits who are good representations of the breed.
5. Do I have the time? Baby rabbits need to be handled from day one, to get them accustomed to people. They are messy, and will increase your cleaning load.
6. Can I cull an ill or injured kit? Having baby rabbits isn't all fun and fluff. Sometimes, the kits are not formed right in the womb, which can result in stillborn kits, or kits who are deformed. Also, they are relatively fragile and can become injured. It may not be possible to take the rabbit to a vet to put it down, and you may be required to dispatch a kit or rabbit who is injured and suffering.
Anyone interested in more information regarding breeding should contact me directly, via the contact form of my website. I am more than happy to answer any and all questions regarding breeding, and to help new breeders learn the ropes.