How many months can kits be kept together?

[jimmywalt]

We have 2 beautiful Holland Lop kits. They are about 7 weeks old now. We weaned them from their mom at 6 weeks and they have been doing great!

One is male the other female. We are wondering how long they can be kept together before we have to worry about the breeding?

I'm sure there are stories of a female getting pregnant very young, and other stories that will say they are ok together for a long time, but we are wondering "on average" what is ok.

Thank you for your help. We have learned so much from everyone here!

 

[Miss M]

Yes, I think Akane had a little doe successfully bred at 8 weeks... she had live kits and all.

Generally, 12 - 14 weeks. You really want them separated before 16 weeks, as successful breeding is apparently rather common by then. I had a doe bred at 15 weeks.

 

[Zass]

The smaller the breed, the earlier they tend to hit puberty too. I've left a larger pair together too long. 16 weeks was enough to get her pregnant.

I prefer mine separated at 8 weeks, but if it's just a pair of big rabbits, I might let it go to 12, so long as they aren't mounting each other or fighting.