Breeding?

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I'm new at this and I probably would find out w/ enough research, but here's my question...What is the best time to rebreed a doe after a litter, I've heard anywhere from a few days after to 6-8 weeks...which is best for doe and all babies (those already had, plus those inside) Thanks in advance

-- Dawn (dgclough@wpcs.net), March 20, 2002

Answers

I breed back 2 weeks after kindling[giving birth] The kits are weaned at 4 weeks. This gives the doe a 2 week rest before her next litter. I will breed back the same day if the doe loses her litter. This is a pretty intensive breed back schedule and most does stay in good condition but need to be free fed[food always available]when they are nursing the litters.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), March 20, 2002.

I breed mine back at 5-6 weeks, unless I have an order for pinky or fuzzy bunnies, then I breed back 2-3 days after taking the litter.

-- Cheryl in KS (cherylmccoy@rocketmail.com), March 20, 2002.

Dawn... remember, the domestic rabbit is an unique species when, in the wild, it was normal (during times of readily available food, water and shelter) for the doe to rebreed within 24 to 48 hours after kindling, and thereby "dropping" a litter every month. Thus, they are literally "built" for intensive breeding schedules. However, such intensive breeding schedules will *eventually* wear them out faster, so we do recommend a short resting spell. Rebreeding at 11 to 14 days after kindling has worked really well for most, and with many does lasting up to 5 years or more under this regime.

-- Pat Lamar (fuzyfarm@3-cities.com), March 20, 2002.

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