I’m wondering what the maximum age of the doe at her first breed is? I have seen varying views on this. Is 18 months old too old? Opinions and experiences please! The doe is 6 lbs. and is healthy otherwise.
Thank you! I guess there’s no time like the present.I think you might be able to get away with 18 months, but possibly prepare for the litter to be either really big or really small. (That’s my experience with breeding older rabbits, with about 12 months being the oldest) I definitely would not breed a rabbit for the first time that’s over 3 years old, I usually retire my does at 5 years.
Exactly what I was thinking. That's good to know about the fiber. Satin is not the goal here in fact I am looking for a self or agouti Satin doe for him. I think the breeding will happen today, at least we'll make the attempt. She seems to really like the Satin buck so I'm hoping it goes smoothly. Fingers are crossed for nice coats! Thanks again Judymac!I've had some lovely English x Satin Angora kits, with lovely fleeces, the best of both worlds; and of course, sometimes you get the worst. You won't get satin fiber the first generation, it takes two recessive satin genes to make satin fiber. But, you may still get nice fine, soft fiber, and probably more than you would normally get from a purebred Satin Angora.
I've been in your position, trying to balance between waiting for a buck to mature, and trying to get a doe bred while you still can. I generally lean to the side of 'get the doe bred'. Once she has had a litter, even if she loses it, or it is to a buck that isn't your first choice, she should be much more likely to breed again next time, when it can be to the buck of your choice.
I can’t wait to see the fleeces! It’s going to be interesting to see what colors they throw too. He’s a broken chocolate agouti and the doe is broken blue. Broken to broken is not my first choice but it’s what I have mature enough to work with. The buck threw a broken agouti and he’s nice so far, hopefully he makes it through puberty with a good temperament like his sire. He’s quite similar so far.Woo hoo! Let us know how it turns out, and what the fleeces look like. One of my favorite fleeces is from a half satin, half English buck that was the result of one of these breedings to an older doe. Soft, nice color, doesn't mat.
Just now? She was due three days agoShe’s been making a nest and has a hay mustache so it won’t be long! She’s in and out of the box.
She was bred on October 12. According to global pedigree she’s due today..Just now? She was due three days ago
Ah sorry, I was going off of the day this was postedShe was bred on October 12. According to global pedigree she’s due today..
Think I was still debating whether it was a good idea at that point. Turns out it was!!Ah sorry, I was going off of the day this was posted
Thank you for keeping us posted!
I don't know where you are located, but make certain she pulls enough fur.
Lots of newborn litters being lost due to extreme cold right now.
My son's rex litter included. Just talking with a gal today that lost her litter of Flemish and three of her breeder friends lost a litter as well.
Oh no! That’s awful. I’m so sorry to hear about the lost kits. More difficult for a child though.Thank you for keeping us posted!
I don't know where you are located, but make certain she pulls enough fur.
Lots of newborn litters being lost due to extreme cold right now.
My son's rex litter included. Just talking with a gal today that lost her litter of Flemish and three of her breeder friends lost a litter as well.
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