Starting a breeding program?

[Desolim]

What are some tips for starting a breeding program? How many rabbits should I start out with, when should I(if I) bring in new blood?
I'm considering starting my own line of Californians, breeding(from most important to least) tempermant, productivity(6-8 well fed kits per litter), and nice dark points.

I'm probably going to have to make pedigrees from scratch(and invest in a tattoo pen) but I was wondering if there was any advice or material that someone could link to to help me get an idea on how to start and where to go.
Like, even if they aren't displaying any negative recessives, when is line breeding/inbreeding too muc What kind of model is acceptable?

 

[akane]

This is a basic chart for bringing in new rabbits periodically
http://www.nockrabbits.com/sitebuilder/ ... 07x440.jpg

This is a chart aimed more towards long term linebreeding
http://smg.photobucket.com/user/REBELxx ... 4.jpg.html

You can find many other such charts for different plans if you do a google search. If you haven't raised rabbits much a trio is usually a good starting point and you can keep an extra buck for breeding to both does from the buck and doe that produce the best offspring. How big you want your final operation will help determine how much outside blood you need to keep bringing in at least until you get to the number of rabbits you want but it's best to start small and grow. You may find your initial purchase from a single breeder, even if they have good outcomes, just doesn't work for you and you have to get better stock for your situation from somewhere else. Even if you do have a lot of rabbit raising experience this makes it a good idea to get a few rabbits at a time and steadily tweak what you are looking for until you find the perfect stock.

 

[Ncrabbit]

I started with a trio and have been pleased with the results. You can learn from your mistakes on a small scale and build on that. I have kept one buck and one doe out of three litters sor far. I also have Cali's and am pleased so far. As far as temperament goes I thought that was important at first but have found that they have been temperamental at best. I have been bit and licked by the same doe so I'm not real big on that right now since they are meat rabbits.Both does have had false pregnancies at first but have now settled in and produced decent litters. Nine and eight respectively. Im new to this so I learn everyday. This site has been a great help also. Just my experience.

 

[Zass]

1, Start with the best rabbits you can find or afford. More expensive does not always mean more functional or productive, especially in regards to meat rabbits.

2, Breed only the very best. Cull hard for everything you don't like.

3, Keep detailed records.