I’m back, at 29 days after I made the required safety adjustments for my mamas cage, and left her with the Buck a day and a half. I noticed that she was not really “ letting him in” it seems she would as y’all say “tick” while I watched, then I just left them and let them be until the next morning.
I see no signs of “ hay stacking” or her pulling hair. I see where it was mentioned about light. As if maybe we are trying to trick her into believing it is spring??? But I’m not exactly sure how to or what to use for light. Where or when to put it… Question… is it naturally easier for them to breed in the Spring?
Any and all advise will surly be much appreciated!!
Cindy
It is definitely easier to breed in the spring, especially in northern climates, but even in California or Texas. Rabbits just seem to know what season it is, even if you light and heat their barn.
Yes, lighting their area is an attempt to trick them into thinking it's spring breeding season. About 12-14 hours of light a day is what you want, and full-spectrum lighting is thought to be ideal. It can make the does more receptive, but I still haven't seen them as ready to go as they are in spring. I have stopped breeding for December and January kindling since that's when I have my greatest litter losses; even with light, there seem to be all sorts of problems (missed pregnancies, late kindling, small litters, scattered litters, does not building a good nest, kindling outside the box, etc.). For sure I did not lose all litters, but the does' hormones just did not seem to be firing at full strength and I gave up fighting it. I do try to be very careful not to let the does get fat during their break.
Just a caution - be sure to leave her nest box in with the doe till at least day 35; I leave it in a full week just in case. Some does will not haystache, pull fur, or even make a nest bowl until they're actually having the babies, so those aren't 100% proof of pregnancy. It would be heartbreaking after all this waiting and hoping to come out the day after you remove the box to find babies all over the wire!
If she's not pregnant this time, I'd suggest keeping her slim and trying in February. She'll probably be raring to go by then.
God bless you in your efforts!
