My First Time! Getting Started (Virgin Doe!)

[rawketstarling]

So my doe is finally at an appropriate age to begin breeding. I brought home a seasoned year-old buck (proven) from a rabbit breeder. My question is this: how long do I let him acclimate to his new home before bringing the doe to him?
And then.....how long do I leave her in there with him?

 

[Rainey]

We just bred a first time doe Saturday. Found this thread really helpful in judging readiness judging-a-doe-s-readiness-and-breeding-tips-t9869.html And, because we could tell by the color that she was ready, it really didn't take long at all.

 

[Silver Cloud]

I would say a day or two for the buck to get used to his surroundings then take her to him watch for 2 to 4 good connections and you should be all set. I would give both atm at least apple cider vinegar to help things along 2 tablespoons per gallon.

 

[Marinea]

If the rabbits are from two different breeders, I would quarantine the new buck for a month. Quarantining new additions is really a great idea- to protect all of your animals.

After quarantine, I would bring the doe to the buck's cage, and keep an eye on them. If the doe is ready, it might not take more than 10 minutes or so for there to be 2 or 3 "fall offs" by the buck. It's that simple. I would not leave the doe in there for an extended time, nor would I leave them alone together. A first time young doe can cause serious injury to your buck.

Good luck!

 

[Dood]

:yeahthat: a 30 day Quarantine would be my recommendation to avoid having to cull a snotty pregnant doe

been there - done that

 

[rawketstarling]

Oh I wish i had read this first :/
I put her in with him, just to see what would happen...he tried to do his job...on the wrong end of her! haha, but she was absolutely not interested in any of that! Is that common? And Rainey, thanks for the link!

 

[katiebear]

You can still quarantine him...and now her. apart from each other and any other rabbits you have.If the deed was not done you should not have to worry about pregnancy. I am surprised no one had told you about quarantine procedure. The rabbits are probably fine but most of us do it just to be safe. Stress can bring out underlying problems. A move, pregnancy, presents of a perceived threat,Many things can stress a rabbit.Most symptoms should appear in the 30 day quarantine period. This is not fool proof though..they do like to keep you guessing.....