My Doe Won't Breed
Rabbits have the reputation to be able to multiply very quickly
- well for those of you who have experienced breeding problems,
you're not alone! There are a number of factors that can make a
doe or a buck reluctant or incapable of breeding. It's important
to know and recognized these problems - they can make the
difference between a successful breeding and a flop.
The most common feature to overlook is the weight of an animal.
Overweight animals will be reluctant to breed. Overweight does can
also have a difficult time kindling if they are allow to become
too fat.
Age is another thing to look at before you breed. Rabbits can
become sexually mature as early as 3 months (12 weeks) of age.
However, although they CAN reproduce at this time, it's not
healthy for them to do so. Breeding a doe who is too young could
cause a lot of stress for the doe - and it may even kill her.
Small breeds should be bred no sooner than 6 months, medium/large
breeds no sooner than 9 months, giant breeds so sooner than 12
months. Just as you want to make sure your rabbit isn't too young,
being too old can also effect the productivity of a rabbit.
Rabbits should be bred by the time they're 1 year of age - larger
breeds by 18 months. If you wait too long after this, it will
become harder for them to conceive.
The general health and condition of your rabbit is also
important. Rabbits that are ill and rabbits that are out of
condition or molting will also be less likely to breed than one
who is in prime show condition.
The weather and seasons also play a part in getting rabbits to
breed. Extreme heat can cause bucks to go temporarily sterile.
Cold temperatures can cause rabbits to use their energy to stay
warm - and not use it for breeding. Rabbits are also more
receptive during the seasons with longer periods of light in the
day. Spring, summer and early fall are usually good times to breed
because the days are quite long. You can however trick the animal
into thinking the days are longer by leaving the lights on for 12+
hours a day.
Stress also plays a part. A rabbit that is under stress can
refuse to breed or even re-absorb it's litter. The absorption
usually takes place during the first two and a half to three weeks
of a rabbit's gestation. Any later than that and the doe is most
likely to just abort the litter by kindling early. Also, rabbits
are aware when someone (human or animal) new is around - so try to
avoid loud noises, strangers or stray animals into the rabbitry
that could startle your rabbits.
Tricks to help get your animals to breed:
- Don't Give Up
If you have a reluctant doe or buck, keep at it. Putting
the doe into the bucks cage on a daily basis will help to
bring her around, and may also help to stimulate him.
- Switch Cages
Place the two rabbits you are trying to breed in cages
next to each other. The smell of an animal from the opposite
sex may help get things rolling
- Road Trip!
Take your rabbit for a car ride or better yet - to a
rabbit show. All of the smells from foreign rabbits might just
do the trick.
- Wheat Germ Oil
Add a little bit of wheat germ oil to your rabbit's feed -
just a few drops - for a week or so.
- Leave the Lights on
If you're trying to breed during a time when there is
little light in the day, leave the lights on in your rabbitry
for at least 12-15 hours.
- Provide a Helping Hand
If your doe is ready (her vulva is red to purple and
moist) she may just not be a "good lifter". Reach
into the cage and tilt her hind-end up for the buck. This
sometimes works better if you're on a table with a carpeted
surface.
Article written by Mindy Borer
Rabbit Registrar #RR473
www.TranquilAcresRabbitry.com
|
