Al-Amin Rabbitry

Breeding Rabbits

It is advisable to breed Does that are above 6 month and Bucks that are 8 month older.

Does that are younger won't take up maternal responsibilities and Bucks that are younger than 8 month will sire weak litter with poor body conformity and lower immune system. Always ensure that the breeding Does have up to 8 teats and for the Buck their testacle must be intact

The farmer should not worry as to when the Does will show heat signs. Ovulation in Rabbits is triggered when the Doe is introduced to the stimulus (Buck). However keen farmer will observe restlessness and Nervousness and the Doe may exhibit a red and swollen v***a as an indication of heat. This is not very important. Rabbit will breed according to the farmers timetable and not when they wish

Rabbit for breeding should be carefully selected from a parent stalk of good mothering and fathering abilities. They should be of age, with clear and bright eyes, erect ears, fine fur texture, not coughing or sneezing and an excellent body conformity.

During mating, the Does should be introduced to the Buck and not vise vasa. A good Buck will respond almost immediately. They may engage in a short lived chase which may not go beyond 30 sec . When all conditions are conducive. The Doe will then submit allowing the Buck to mount her. A successful copulation is experienced when the Buck fall backwards or side ways.( If not then its unsuccessful). Farmers are advised to observe to confirm success. The Buck should be allowed to mount up to the third or fourth time. Beyond this the Doe will not allow since at this time her body has registered that she is pregnant. Does will not accept the Buck when they are pregnant until the day they will give birth. She should then be removed and taken back to her hutch. And should not be disturbed

On the 10th day after mating farmer are advised to confirm pregnancy by taking the Doe back to the Buck. She will not accept him if she is pregnant and at time she makes noise or even fight him. This exercise clear any doubt of pseudo- pregnancy

On the 23 to 25th day introduce the nesting box. Earlier introduction of the nesting box lead to misunderstanding its purpose for either a bed or a toilet which is not the case.

Good mothers will not need assistance during littering. Its good for the farmer however to be alert when the Doe is nearing to litter.
Make sure there is enough food and sufficient water in the cage during this time. Good mother will give a minimum litter of 6 and a maximum of 14. In case of any excess of 8 fostering is always an option or culling of weaker kitt

Some Does can resist the Buck when

1 The Doe ia bigger in body size than the Buck( Does are proud)

2...In case there is stress or sickness

3... When feeding is not good

4 ...During extreme weather