LittleFluffyBunnies
Well-known member
I recently wrote out my breeding plan for this year. I had been planning to breed each doe twice a year(5-6 months in between). But, I am not sure if that is enough to keep up litter size. I don't know if a relatively long break will cause an internal fat buildup in my does, causing smaller litters.
I am not breeding for meat or show, so I am not looking for a large amount of kits. I am fine with any number. But, I do want a medium to large litter size(4-8 kits), as I feel they do better then 1 or 2. I know fat buildup contributes to smaller litters. So should I consider breeding 3 or maybe 4 times a year instead? I should be able to make that work. My concern was selling, but the pet market seems to be good. And, my backup plan is to sell leftover kits to the local pet shop(it is very nice, the people know us and I have bought half of my herd from there), where they have offered to buy kits before.
Otherwise, is there another way to prevent or eliminate internal fat? It would seem diet might play a role? My does get a set amount of feed that keeps them at a stable weight, and get free fed after the third week of pregnancy up to the weaning of the kits, with sunflower seeds as a supplement.
I'm not sure if this is a silly question, but I figure it never hurts to ask.
I am not breeding for meat or show, so I am not looking for a large amount of kits. I am fine with any number. But, I do want a medium to large litter size(4-8 kits), as I feel they do better then 1 or 2. I know fat buildup contributes to smaller litters. So should I consider breeding 3 or maybe 4 times a year instead? I should be able to make that work. My concern was selling, but the pet market seems to be good. And, my backup plan is to sell leftover kits to the local pet shop(it is very nice, the people know us and I have bought half of my herd from there), where they have offered to buy kits before.
Otherwise, is there another way to prevent or eliminate internal fat? It would seem diet might play a role? My does get a set amount of feed that keeps them at a stable weight, and get free fed after the third week of pregnancy up to the weaning of the kits, with sunflower seeds as a supplement.
I'm not sure if this is a silly question, but I figure it never hurts to ask.
