Breeding ages

ilovecharmz · Apr 16, 2013

Please post reply with
*The age you have bred and had the best results
*The type you breed
I LOVE to hear about LIOHEADS!
Proud breeder and owner of Warm Cozzy Lions Rabbitry :bunnyhop:

KKRabbitry · Apr 16, 2013

First off, :welcome: Welcome to Rabbit Talk!!!

:welcomewagon:

We raise Jersey Woolies, Mini Lops, a few Holland Lops and are just starting with Lionheads.
I try to breed most my does at 6 months. I have been known to wait a little longer if I'm trying to get a doe shown. But, I have been noticing that does we breed later tend to have more issues, i.e, not nursing them, having babies on the wire, stepping on babies, or just not getting bred, etc.
Plus, the longer you wait the more chance of the does getting fat build up which can cause problems.
So about 6 months is when I've had the best results. If it's a really small doe, I might wait a few extra months for her to grow up.

Have you ever seen this site before? http://iceboxrabbitry.homestead.com/morebabies.html

Lot's of very interesting advice there.

We have not had any Lionhead litters yet but we will very soon!

ilovecharmz · Apr 16, 2013

Thank you for the quick reply and welcome!
No I have not seen that website but it gives great info.
I am a breeder of double maned VC/VM and BEW lionheads and the beautiful colors of Harlequins, magpies, broken Charlies, and many torts.
And own Warm Cozzy Lions Rabbitry.
Lionheads are my favorite breed of rabbits but have had experience with Holland Lops.
The reason I have asked is I have gotten a great Harlequin VM doe that was born February 21,13.
I Have posted her on my website as a future brood doe do to her pedigree standard and color and have gotten more then 7 request for one of her kits.
I will be breeding her to my Teddy/wooly gene BEW lionhead buck.
But the question is could I breed her at 4 1/2 months to 5 months old?
With out difficulties?
I think the website you provide said I could but I would like a personal opinion.

KKRabbitry · Apr 17, 2013

I have never personally bred one that young, but I know someone who bought one of my Mini Rex does who bred her at 5 months. She had 7 babies with no problems, and has been a great mom.

ilovecharmz · Apr 17, 2013

Thats great to hear everything went ok

OneAcreFarm · Apr 18, 2013

I raise Cals, NZW and Rex, not the same as your little bitties, I know. I routinely breed mine at 4-5 months of age with no issues. If you check her vent and she looks ready and she is at or near Sr. weight for her breed, then by all means, try it if you want to. If she lifts, great, if not, give her a week and try again until she lifts readily on her own.