Hi, I am just wondering what exactly to look for that indicates that a doe is done being productive? I have a doe who has had two odd litters this winter. The first was one single huge dead kit, the second was a huge dead kit and a normal sized dead kit. She had two normal litters last year. I believe she should be 2 1/2 years old, at the most three. All of my rabbits get the same diet and the others are doing fine. I'm a little stumped. Thanks folks!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), March 26, 2002

Answers

What is the breed? Most stay productive 4-5 years. Some say if you rebreed 12 hours after the initial breeding you will get more in your litters. I havent done it. Most of my does are producing 8-10 in the litter now. What is your breeding schedule?

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), March 26, 2002.

I usually re breed after the kits are 5-6 weeks old. Since it is Texas and hotter than blazes in the summer, they take the summer off. Hence I breed in the cooler months. I usually don't breed them back after several hours. I leave the doe in with the buck for maybe an hour if he isn't too rambunctious....which mine aren't. They are Californians. All the others are doing fine. I have had 7, 8, and 9 from my other three does, although two of them wer first time mothers and lost a few.

I guess I will rebreed her back after twelve hours if she doesn't kindle right this next time. I bred her a bit over a week ago already. Thanks!!!

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), March 26, 2002.

I would have culled her after the second failed litter, no cents feeding an unproductive doe. I think the doe has shown you the signs that she is done.

Many commercial rabbitry will cull a doe after one failed litter.

-- Mark in N.C. Fla. (deadgoatman@webtv.net), March 26, 2002.