No popples...question about doing some rabbit shuffling.

[Kyle@theWintertime]

Alas, neither of my does kindled...and by now I'm certain neither one was pregnant (or if they were, they miscarried or reabsorbed or something) and thus, I have no popples. No babies that might be worthy of showing, and no babies to grow out for the freezer. Sadface! Tomorrow I plan to shuffle some rabbits to try and get some does bred...and I have an odd question. I have two barely mature bucks, and until my new cage block is finished I am at a lack of space (it might be another week before I have the new cagerow finished, darn this bad shoulder!) and am wondering...can they be temporarily housed together while I move the does around to get 'em bred? Any advice on getting the does to take?

 

[MaggieJ]

Unless they young bucks have been together all along and get on well together, I think it could be dangerous to house them together. You could wire a divider into a cage to keep them safe from each other and still house them in the same space.

 

[Random Rabbit]

Instant, knee-jerk reaction to housing the two bucks together.....NO ! If they are maturing... even if barely... they could get into some nasty fights ! Depending on how long You think it might be... even a large carrier could be used for a few days.

Apple cider vinigar is so useful to assist with breeding vigor. ( and many other things) we use 2 Tablespoons to a gallon of water. So far our rabbits are very willing to breed. We also have a light on a timer to give the rabbits extended days during this time of less light.

Winter breeding ...at least here...is a bit trickier... litters seem a bit smaller... even with multiple services... the does seem a bit lackidazicle about tending the new bunnies. I;m guessing it is related to the 'Normal Cycle of Rabbits' that usually on their own would Not breed in the winter... just my best guess.

Good luck. I know how disappointing it is to Not get litters when one really hopes to have some !

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

I've been using apple cider vinnegar...hopefully that'll convince my lop doe to breed.

I think I can jury-rig a large pen to hold each buck in a separate slot...that may be my best option. Darnit! I was really looking forward to my lop doe's litter...I want little carbon copies of my lop buck.

Thanks for the advice.