Most reliable method?

[Pikku]

I have two does, one just over 6 months and one just over 5 months. They are both standard rex. They have both just turned slightly red and swollen, so I am thinking that they will be ready for breeding in a few days. It will be my first time breeding rabbits.
On that note, I have read a couple different ways of going about it. I know the does go to the bucks and such. My question is this. Do you guys have better luck doing one breeding with multiple coverings or do two breedings 8-12 hours apart? I have seen people talking about both and wanted to get some opinions. Either way I would like to breed the does close together in case one is a bad mama or something else goes awry.
Thanks for your input,
Pikku

 

[akane]

You should be able to breed both does the same day if you don't do repeat breedings. I only put the doe in a second time if I got just one covering. I try to get 3. Often hours of break aren't even needed. Pulling the doe out for 15-30 mins while doing chores and putting her back will frequently change her mind and make the buck more eager for a second breeding. You can breed one doe in the morning to early afternoon and one in late afternoon to evening.

That simple breeding does not work all the time. Heat exposure, first time bucks, and bucks not used for awhile might need a different approach because they may have limited fertility, especially in the first few coverings, so you may need to do what is necessary to get them to breed more times within a 12-24 hr period. First time does can also have problems and need more attempts. Sometimes several days or holding them in place before they accept the buck. Being thrown in with a buck can really stress first timers. I've even had one cram under the j feeder and scream.

 

[Pikku]

Thanks! Any tips for a first time buck? I got young stock a few months ago, so is a first time all around.

 

[Zass]

I like to breed once and let him cover her several times.

Most of the time things move flawlessly. Just take the doe to the buck and let nature take it's course.

Don't be alarmed if she plays hard to get for a while. Often it will look like she really wants away from him, but will suddenly stop running in circles and lay down and lift.

 

[akane]

It's more likely to go smoothly the first time with the larger breeds that are sometimes used for meat. They tend to have better production tendencies. The small breeds and especially dwarf can be a pain to get bred the first time. It sometimes takes persistence to get the does used to the bucks and everyone willing to breed. The previous round I did I had to put together a round breeding pen because the annoying does were cramming themselves in corners so the buck couldn't get behind them. They all had litters after putting them in the round pen so they were ready to breed. Just being annoying.

 

[ottersatin]

I take the Doe to the Buck and allow him to service her at least twice at that one meeting.
If they don't seem to perform, bring the Doe to the Buck for up to four days in a row
within that time frame they will breed. Place a nestbox 28 days from the first date
that a possible breeding may have taken place.
Ottersatin. ldtimer: