How much to feed meat rabbits?

[TheOtherHorse]

I'm new to rabbits and have a small meat breeding herd starting. Calis, NZ, Satins. I've been having trouble with the does not lifting for the buck (who is doing a good job trying!). After trying several things, I am now thinking that maybe they are too fat.

I have been free feeding them complete rabbit pellets (which I'm now realizing isn't a good idea... oops!)
They also have grass hay available in a manger free choice (orchard/timothy horse hay), and an alfalfa cube in each cage.

What should I do differently? I'm thinking I need to only feed measured amounts instead of free feed pellets? Once or twice a day? How much?

Thank you!

 

[ottersatin]

Hello TheOtherHorse,
try feeding one ounce of Pelleted rabbit feed
per pound of rabbits body weight.
Or: feed a definite amount[Like a tuna can full]
per feeding. When you go to feed again and feed is left, give a bit less.
If there is none feed a bit more, you will eventually arrive at the
proper amount for that particular Rabbit. Each Rabbit must be fed as an individual,
watch to see how the rabbit is fairing. If it is continually putting on weight,
you must put it on a diet/limited feed. You can place an obstacle between the
feeder and water source. A piece of 4X4 or PVC pipe. Ther Rabbit will have to
climb/jump over it. This is your Rabbit Gymnasium.
Trust me, it will work!
Ottersatin. ldtimer:

 

[mystang89]

when I fed my rabbits pellets I would put 1 cup at night and 1/2 in the morning then free range hay. I had nzw and calis when I did that.

 

[hoodat]

The best way to find the right amount of feed is to check to see how much of a fat layer they have. To do that run your finger along the side of the backbone. If it feels as though there is nothing but skin over the backbone they need more feed. If you can barely feel the backbone they are carrying too much fat and the rations need to be cut down. You want them somewhere in between. Too much fat also means wasted rations (and money) but they need a little. Rabbit fat is a waste since it doesn't have a good flavor and needs to be stripped before eating. Rabbits don't have fat in the muscle part. It is all either internal (especially around the kidneys) or in two sets of pads; one on either side of the backbone and one on the belly flaps.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

:welcomewagon:

Hi TheOtherHorse!

Welcome to RT!

Have you been checking the color of the doe's vulva before putting her with the buck? It should be dark pink or purple, and will be swollen and moist.

This thread has pictures that will help you:

judging-a-doe-s-readiness-and-breeding-tips-t9869.html