Rabbits Won't breed

[Rememberthedeer]

I'm curious, would force nursing help her to want to raise her next batch, or maker her dread it. Because when I introduce the baby to her, she freaks out and grunts and kicks, but once it starts nursing she calms right down... I don't know if she likes this or hates it.

 

[nayeli]

I wonder the same thing...

 

[cassie]

I really don't think forcing her to nurse is going to have any affect on how well she cares for her next litter. If she was my rabbit it wouldn't matter. As of now she would be on probation. If she refused to care for her next litter she would be dinner.

 

[Rememberthedeer]

How long should I wait to breed her again? As soon as she is able? Or should I giver her a break and let her be on her own for a few days first?

 

[cassie]

If she were mine, I'd breed her now.

 

[nayeli]

I rebreed mine back right away after her first litter passed away (I think she stomped them).

 

[Rememberthedeer]

Wait, I should breed her even tho she's still in the nursing process? How long do I have to force nurse anyway, until the kit is weaned, or is there a time limit?

 

[Rememberthedeer]

Sorry if I'm annoying you guy with all the questions, this is just the first time I've force nursed any of my rabbits, and to me it sounds more sensible to wait till she's done nursing before breeding her again. If she gets pregnant, I don't want to crush any unborn bunnies when I pick her up to go feed Lucky. (I named the little survivor Lucky)

 

[nayeli]

@Rememberthedeer in the wild she would have already been rebreed most likely. They manage =) the phrase "breed like rabbits isn't for nothing". Nursing takes more out of them then the pregnancy itself from what I've read so if she is in good condition absolutely rebreed her. I wouldn't wean Lucky until 6-8 weeks.

 

[Rememberthedeer]

Well yes, I see your point, but remember in the wild they don't get picked up every day by humans. My concern is that I might crush a few unborn bunnies in my attempt to hold her still not that she can't handle being pregnant and nursing at the same time. My rabbits aren't "cuddle bunnies" they are rarely held so they fight you when you pick them up. I breed them for meat and the only time I pick them up is when moving them to the breeding pen, (or as of now, bringing them inside to feed Lucky) so they don't really like to be held and all this struggling may cause damage to the bunnies she's carrying. Do you see where my concern is?