My Rabbits aren’t breeding:( Help.

[Jackrabbit]

So yesterday I intended on breeding 18 of my Standard Rex Does. The day got away from me, but I woke up extra early this morning so that I could breed. Well things didn’t go the way I planned. None bred. I did see some does lift and the bucks mounted them, but NOTHING happened I decided I’d come on here and ask if any of you suggest something I can do so that they WILL breed. TIA

 

[RabbitsOfTheCreek]

You can hold the Does down and lift up their tails

 

[Jackrabbit]

I tried. That doesn’t seem to work for me. Only 2 does out of the 18 each received 1 falloff from the buck…. Not what I would’ve liked since I’ve never had good results with it.

 

[Windy Acres Farm]

Alot of bucks will go sterile in the summer time because of heat.

 

[hotzcatz]

Sometimes they just aren't on the same schedule as we are. Rabbits are busy in the mornings and evenings, usually mating will work fairly well at that time of day. Sometimes we will put them both in the exercise pen and see if a change in scenery will get them enthused. What's been working well lately is to groom the buck (these are English angoras here, without a haircut, it doesn't work) and put the doe in his space while he's being groomed. That gives her about an hour to get used to his scent. Then I'll put him back and that seems to get him energized. Some folks swear by a bit of apple cider vinegar in their water dish.
Let us know what eventually works!

 

[Jackrabbit]

Thank you! I am trying the ACV. I will also be adding several greens to their diet. I will try again on Friday and will post updates, if it ends up not working I’ll try the grooming! Hoping other people post so that they DO BREED!

 

[arachyd]

If the heat is the problem he may be temporarily sterile even if he does mate. I'd freeze a gallon jug of water and put it with him. Freeze a spare for when that one melts. My bucks loved to lay on top and keep their valuables cool.

 

[Jackrabbit]

I live in Watsonville Ca. The weather tends to be around the 70s.. don’t think the bucks are sterile.

 

[Jackrabbit]

UPDATE…
I bred 7 does, who were supposed to kindle yesterday none of them did, nor did they make nest’s. I tried the ACV, and put iced bottles in the cages. It didn’t work. I think I will wait about 3 weeks or so, then breed all the does. Depending on who kindles and who dosent then I will see who I cull and keep.

 

[RabbitsOfTheCreek]

UPDATE…
I bred 7 does, who were supposed to kindle yesterday none of them did, nor did they make nest’s. I tried the ACV, and put iced bottles in the cages. It didn’t work. I think I will wait about 3 weeks or so, then breed all the does. Depending on who kindles and who dosent then I will see who I cull and keep.

Did you breed them all with the same buck?

 

[ladysown]

Rabbits don't always have a magic switch.

If ALL of your does aren't breeding it has to do with (generally) one of the following:
1. seasonal concerns ... there are times of the year when rabbits aren't keen on breeding
2. temperature - too hot, too cold
3. feed - something lacking in the diet
4. lighting - too dark perhaps? Or the lighting is changing

Sometimes it also has to do with genetics. If your rabbits are all related and don't want to breed, then... genetics combined with one of those factors will be at play.

 

[Jackrabbit]

Did you breed them all with the same buck?

Absolutely not! Split between 5 bucks.

 

[Jackrabbit]

Rabbits don't always have a magic switch.

If ALL of your does aren't breeding it has to do with (generally) one of the following:
1. seasonal concerns ... there are times of the year when rabbits aren't keen on breeding
2. temperature - too hot, too cold
3. feed - something lacking in the diet
4. lighting - too dark perhaps? Or the lighting is changing

Sometimes it also has to do with genetics. If your rabbits are all related and don't want to breed, then... genetics combined with one of those factors will be at play.

Hmmm… ALL of my rabbits share SOME ancestry. The lighting might also be a problem.

 

[Cosima]

Have you still not managed to get them breeding?

 

[Jackrabbit]

Well they mated… I SAW that all of the bucks had at least 3 fall-offs with each doe, then I left them for 24 Hrs together. NOT a single one had kits…

 

[Cosima]

What temperature/season is it?

 

[Jackrabbit]

Summer. Usually in the 70’s

 

[Cosima]

Please put the temperature in Celsius.

 

[Buknee]

How old are your rabbits?

 

[user8584]

boy Don’t have a clue!