Rabbit question, breeding first time does?

[nao57]

I'd had trouble getting my does to be willing to be mated. Its just not happening and tried several times.

But its also been cold. Our winter doesn't really end until about April.

I'm wondering if with first time does that have never had litters before, maybe this is why its hard to get them pregnant if its a combination of never having had kits and still being cold? Could there be something to this?

And is it possible that does that have already been moms before might not care as much if its still somewhat cold (not extreme cold)?

What do you think about this?

I'd ask this on the other site, but its been dead there lately and not getting much responses. Plus people here are nice too.

 

[MissE]

How much daylight do they get? That can affect a does willingness to breed. A couple hours of artificial light in the early morning before the sun comes up might help.

Some does are just more stubborn than others. You could try putting her in his cage and him in her cage for a day or so to get her used to his smell.

If you have a round pen, like a dog x pen, she won't be able to hide in a corner. As an added bonus, its neutral territory and won't smell like the buck.

Some people have success if they hold the doe in position. My one buck never would play that game. He didn't want 'help".

If multiple does unwilling to mate, I would start with the extra light for a week or so and then try again.

 

[nao57]

Wow.

Thank you very much.

Now that I think about it my cages are facing south, but not east. So for much of the day there wouldn't be much light. Plus, the overhead lids are larger because of rain and snow but would block a bit of light.

 

[cassie]

To get my goats to breed out of season I had lights in the barn on a timer. The timers are not expensive and they are easy to set up. There is no reason this wouldn't work with rabbits.

 

[nao57]

To get my goats to breed out of season I had lights in the barn on a timer. The timers are not expensive and they are easy to set up. There is no reason this wouldn't work with rabbits.

Thanks!

 

[Persassy]

About a day before if you give them some apple cider vinegar in her water she will be more willing or put the male on the other side of a fence for a couple days