To breed or not to breed...that is the question.

[BakingNana]

In June I acquired my first breeding trio, who were then 10 weeks old. They are now old enough to breed, but my intention was to wait until March to begin. Now I'm really wondering if I couldn't try now for a couple of litters. I live in the Midwest. Do you think I could get by trying right now weather-wise?

 

[Mary Ann's Rabbitry]

I go ahead.. as long they are good condition

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Rabbits do much better in cold weather than hot. As long as they have shelter from wind, rain, and snow they should do fine, provided that the does pull plenty of fur for the kits.

I would prep the nests carefully with a good 2" of shavings, plenty of hay, and perhaps some shredded paper. I like to use brown paper grocery bags put through our document shredder. Newspaper is supposed to work well also, but I rarely have access to any so haven't tried it.

 

[BakingNana]

Thanks so much. Here we go.... Good grief. I wasn't this nervous when we were expecting our own children!

 

[Cattle Cait]

I would, but if your weather is anything like the weather up here, then make extra precaution against the cold.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Good grief. I wasn't this nervous when we were expecting our own children!

:lol:

Good luck, and relax! If they breed, you still have about 30 days* wait. Plenty of time to get yourself in a dither then!

*Put your nestboxes in on day 28, since some does go earlier.

 

[Secuono]

Better to breed in the cold weather than summer.

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

Of course give it a go!!! But please understand that you will have to post pictures of your lovely Autumn babies for us all to enjoy!!! :mrgreen: