how to get them to breed???

[DarayTala]

So, I've had my rabbits in a colony set up for a bit over a month and a half. There was one time when they first got in that I saw my cali buck breed my cali doe, and he tried to pursue the others but they turned him down at least while I was watching. No kits came along, so I'm assuming the breeding didn't take. The buck is supposed to be about five or six months, and when I first got him he very clearly had testicles. The does are otter satin: 5-7 months, blue satin: 9-12 months, cali: 7-9 months. The breeder was less then clear about the ages, but knew the range at least, and his range looked right and they were excellent looking rabbits, so I didn't mind all too much. Anyway, since I put them in the colony I haven't seen any attempted breeding after the first day. I don't want to have to take the buck out for some time and put him back in, but will as a last resort if that might work. What else can I do to get them in the mood? Is he just not romantic enough? :lol:

Hopefully that's enough info, but ask away if more may help. I just really want them to get with the program, especially before it gets really cold.

 

[NatureBunsRabbitry]

I have heard that ACV in their water helps. You could also try giving them RRL. It is said to boost the buck's fertility and get the doe's uterus ready. I hope my suggestions help! Hopefully someone else will weigh in as well.

 

[akane]

I can assure you that unless the does are pregnant which they probably are the rabbits are still breeding. The buck just quits going nuts after the first few days much to the does' relief. If he doesn't they'll castrate him and it's not a pretty sight. Taking him out and putting him back repeatedly is a bad idea. Colony bucks learn when to breed and when to behave. Right after they have a litter you'll see him get all annoying again as the does come in to a strong heat and then he'll chill when they are bred and start turning him down. The fact you aren't seeing breeding behavior is a good thing. It means they are probably pregnant and turned him down so much he's given up.

As to why no kits right now it's probably leftover heat sterility. It can take some bucks months to recover from the summer heat especially if they haven't been used. They need to clear the system first.

 

[DarayTala]

Excuse my ignorance, but what are ACV and RRL?

Akane, I do hope you are right and they are pregnant or will be soon. I didn't think they were pregnant when I palpitated them, but I could have easily missed something since I'm a bit new to this. How long does it normally take for heat sterility to go away? Will they continue breeding as it gets colder, and is there any way I could encourage them to?

 

[andyva]

Apple cider vinegar and red rasberry leaf.