Does the male have to "fall off?"

[FluffyBuns]

Hi, so my question is does the buck have to grunt and fall off of the doe for the mating to have been successful? Has anyone ever had a litter with the male just mounting her and doing the deed but without the grunt and fall off? Thanks in advance!

 

[MaggieJ]

Yes, mating can be successful without the fall-off, but most people prefer to see the buck fall off because it almost always indicates a completed mating. When he doesn't fall off, there is more room to doubt.

 

[Homer]

Usually if he doesn't "fall off" she didn't lift for him meaning she wasn't ready for one reason or another. You can always wait a day or two and try again. I've had some you only needed to wait a few hours and try again. "Power of suggestion"

 

[MaggieJ]

Homer is right. If the doe doesn't lift her hind end for the buck, it is very difficult for him to hit the target. So pregnancy is possible without the fall-off, but watching for the doe's lift will give you a better idea of how likely it is to occur.

But - if you have reason even to suspect a successful mating, mark your calendar and put in a nest box on Day 28 anyway. An unused nest box is frustrating, but the loss of a litter because the doe was forced to kindle on the wire is saddening.

 

[FluffyBuns]

Thank you for the feedback! It is quite hard for me to tell whether or not she is actually lifting her back end, she is an English Angora and super fluffy. I do know that she is lifting her tail though.

 

[Ozarkansas]

I could be wrong but I've heard of several people shave their English Angoras before breeding. I think it helps?

 

[FluffyBuns]

I was wondering the same thing, they are in a large outdoor hutch and it is too cold outside so I can't shave them down until Spring, but was wondering if I should just shave up her bottom area. Anyone have Angoras and do this?

 

[Ozarkansas]

I'm not exactly sure, but I know you have to at least clip their bottom before birth. If you have any questions about English Angoras, I have a friend who raises them: https://bungalowofbunnies.weebly.com