When to retire does?

[BlackSpruceRabbitry7]

I have a Mini Rex doe that will be 4 yrs. in July. She has a 3 week old litter right now and her condition seems fine, other then sagging teats. But I was wondering how much can a doe take? I don't want to rebreed her and her not be able to handle it.

 

[Dood]

If she is keeping her condition then don't worry.

Once she cannot get pregnant or feeding just 4 kits wipes her out you stop.

 

[akane]

Litter size usually starts to drop off at some point after 4 years old. Eventually it may not be cost effective to breed a doe anymore. Keeping them at a good weight and condition will keep them producing longer. Fat building up around the reproductive organs is often the most common problem with older does. Infections, cysts, cancer, and other problems of the reproductive tracts also become steadily more likely.

 

[BlackSpruceRabbitry7]

Alright thanks for the advise.
I think I will breed her again this year.

 

[michaels4gardens]

Alright thanks for the advise.
I think I will breed her again this year.

I have had does that were productive for 8 years, and some that burned out after 2, -- at my place, I look at weening average and weening weight at 8 weeks-- not at how old the doe is.
I have been known to keep an older doe who is not very productive, and get a few more litters, because her daughters were just amazing.