Age to cull breeding stock

[oxrayfarm]

I have a doe who is just now two years old. I am wondering when ya'll cull out your breeders, at what age? I am in the city so cage space is a premium but I want to make sure I start one of her promising girls before she is to old to continue breeding and cull her out.

Thanks.

 

[MaggieJ]

If a doe is healthy and producing well, I am only too glad to keep her, regardless of age. A dependable older doe is worth much more to me than an untried young one, no matter how promising.

 

[oxrayfarm]

Ok thanks Maggie, I really didn't want to cull her just yet, she's a great mom and produces very tasty good sized babies. I'll keep her around for a few more years and re-evaluate then.

 

[ladysown]

you evaluate your stock on production (number of young + growout)+ mothering ability

when one or the other fails as the doe matures, keep back a promising couple of young does.

 

[hoodat]

Commercial breeders usually cull them out at 3 to 4 years but when you have a small herd you get to know individual does so you don't have to use an arbitrary cut off point. It can vary with the particular animal.