Check the buck for issues that might make him uncomfortable - sore hocks, sores on his genitals or inside his legs, etc. I've seen all of those things make bucks change their mind during breeding attempts. Recently we had to help my daughter's friend with a buck that had gotten "stuck" in his privates, if you catch my drift. When we examined him, we couldn't express his penis, in fact when we tried, it prolapsed (turned inside out). We soaked him in warm water for some time and carefully worked everything loose. He seems much happier now but she hasn't tried breeding him again yet. He's an older proven buck and the only thing we could think was that he possibly got dehydrated...?
I have noticed weight loss, he doesn't have as much of an appetite as he did, and he does have sore hocks that I'm trying to heal... Thats horribleCheck the buck for issues that might make him uncomfortable - sore hocks, sores on his genitals or inside his legs, etc. I've seen all of those things make bucks change their mind during breeding attempts. Recently we had to help my daughter's friend with a buck that had gotten "stuck" in his privates, if you catch my drift. When we examined him, we couldn't express his penis, in fact when we tried, it prolapsed (turned inside out). We soaked him in warm water for some time and carefully worked everything loose. He seems much happier now but she hasn't tried breeding him again yet. He's an older proven buck and the only thing we could think was that he possibly got dehydrated...?
Keep track of your buck's weight - that can sometimes give you a hint that something's wrong. Make sure he's healthy and then I'd give him a break and let him try again later before culling him. Everybody has their off days.
I'd say breed your doe to whichever buck you like better, sire or sib. She is definitely 50% genetically related to her sire. On average, siblings are also related at the 50% level, but theoretically they can share 0% to 100% of their genes (of course the extremes are far less likely). Unless you're aware of issues in the line - malocclusion, tendencies to GI problems, etc. - I wouldn't worry too much about it.
. So it doesn't matter who I breed her with.
Yes, it's probably the sore hocks. It really hurts them when bucks put that pressure on their sore feet.I have noticed weight loss, he doesn't have as much of an appetite as he did, and he does have sore hocks that I'm trying to heal... Thats horrible
I was trying to keep my bucks as unrelated as possible.when I had a problem with one buck I replaced him in that colony group with a brother. I have been getting the prettiest kits in litters of 10-12 from that group. Try it. If there's problems , make changes
Don't take offense to the following comments; you didn't do anything "wrong" and you will probably be tickled to see baby bunnies in another month or so. But in the future, if you get four fall-offs from one buck, I wouldn't put her in with another. One fall-off is usually enough, four is plenty - if she's going to get bred, she's bred. Especially if you had to hold her down for the second round, she was probably done. Nine fall-offs will not necessarily mean she has a bigger litter than four fall-offs, unless there is something wrong with one of the bucks, but unfortunately you will not be able to tell that at this point. She may have kits sired by both bucks, but again you will not be able to tell which is which.
Just wanted to show off the nice nests Luna and Aria made. Currently 10 kits in each nest. 1 and 1 1/2 week old. Group housing and permanent den boxes.
How are the kits?
Growing fast, eating other foods, exploring their yard. Everytime I tried to get group pics they scattered.
So pretty!
What breed are they?
Silver Fox. Have black, blue (grey) lilac (grey with pink cast), and chocolate. Did lots of reading before picking this breed. Have never raised anything else and have been very happy with them. Seem to have good size litters, good mother's, hardy and adaptable.
That's why I like the breed. Cute, hardy, dual purpose, big and so much more. They are my favorite breed so far.
