Breeding Schedule

[WildWolf]

I've heard that you have to be careful about how quickly you breed does after they were just bred. Is there a certain amount of time, or is it just when they are back in good shape? Should you be careful about having too long breaks between breeding? If so, what's the longest break you could have while still being certain that there will be no ill effects? I know that I won't be able to breed during July, and maybe August, because of our summers. Can you breed through winter, if the rabbits are outside? Thanks!

 

[OneAcreFarm]

You can breed all through the winter with no issues other than you may need to supplement the light for them. I believe the average is a 42 day breedback, that is 42 days or 6wks after they kindle their last litter. I tend to do a 14-21 day breed back.

 

[3mina]

It depends on what your breeding for. I breed for meat and I breed intensively in the summer because the latest I will get litters is the end of August with only natural light. Since you're much closer to the equator than I am you should have no issues with winter breeding with your does outside. If my does can handle it I breed back within the first five days after kindling, if they can't handle it they join the freezer camp brigade.
Breeding for show, from what I understand, means counting back from a show date for the age and condition you want. Show breeders from what I know, breed much less intensively, sometimes only two or three times a year per doe. Too long a break between litters sometimes causes difficulty in conceiving due to internal fat.

 

[WildWolf]

...If my does can handle it I breed back within the first five days after kindling, if they can't handle it they join the freezer camp brigade.
Too long a break between litters sometimes causes difficulty in conceiving due to internal fat.

I would not be breeding for show. So, its basically that you can breed back as soon as they are in their normal condition, right? And for some does, its 5 days, other does, its 6wks. How long is "too long a break" between the litters? Why would they increase their internal fat beyond what they had before they bred?

Thanks, you all are very helpful!

 

[OneAcreFarm]

It really depends on your rabbits. I would say, give them a month the first time and if the hold condition well, then next time try 3 wks and so on....Some rabbits just tend to get fat if not being bred. I would not wait more than two months or so, personally.

 

[WildWolf]

thanks one acre! I guess when they are used to working harder, then they will get fat once they stop working so hard.