Age to breed meat rabbits

[dayna]

What age do you suggest breeding my meat rabbits? I have a mutt doe that is 14 weeks, I know she's too young but am unsure at what age to try.

My champagne I bred at 5 months and she was MORE than ready, had 8 babies and raised all of them perfectly without any issues. She's on her second litter.

So could you tell me what age you breed, or what you look for in size/readiness to breed. I've read a LOT of information on the internet, but I really trust the opinion of you guys here.

These will be for meat, not for pets. If that makes any difference.

 

[skysthelimit]

I have not had a doe ready before 5 mos, but several others give it a try a little earlier.

That's when I start trying, but most of mine breed at 6-8 mos.

the rule I use across breeds is not age really, but when they've reach 75% of their adult weight, which is 6 lbs for Rex.

 

[dayna]

When you have a meat mutt, I wonder what that size would be? I'll have to do some research. I know one of mine is a NZ mix of some sort. I'll have to weigh her again. She's already pretty big.

 

[Dood]

I start looking for readyness at 5 months and if they look red/purple down there I try them with a buck.

I once had a doe start mounting her sister in their grow out cage at 18 weeks and she lifted for the buck but didnt catch until just under 21 weeks old.

 

[3mina]

I start them at about 75% of senior weight.

 

[SyP]

I have had very good luck breeding at 6 months.

 

[ramblingrabbit]

Thanks, I've been meaning to research this too. I have one little doe about the same age and was wondering the same thing...

 

[zee]

I'm going to check my junior doe tomorrow for readiness. She's 5+ months old.

 

[Ivory]

Most does, except the very big breeds are usually ready to breed by 4 months. That doesn't mean you should breed them then.

I wouldn't deliberately breed any doe before 6 months regardless of breed or size.