Raising Meat Rabbits

[Bridebeliever]

Thank you I will try to find the book. I have another question though. If I start off with just a buck and one doe should I try to get them from different breeders? Does it matter with rabbits?

You can receive many different answers to this question, so here is my opinion. You can breed siblings but your chances of getting duplicate genes of a defect are higher. You could choose siblings of a breeder that have the same father but different mothers, making half siblings. That is what many breeders do. When we started our rabbits we got two does and one buck. Two does have the same father and different mothers each and the buck had a different father and same mother as one of the does. We got ours from a breeder that keeps excellent records and has papered bucks from very good show lines.

 

[Andrei]

Ok that makes a lot of sense. Here is another question that I'm sure people will have opinions on. How long do you wait to breed them again after they kindle? What is the healthiest option for the rabbit?

 

[pepperpellets]

I rotate between my does so they get six weeks off between litters. I am happy with three litters per doe per year. I have more does, but they seem to stay healthy.

 

[Andrei]

After you separate the kits from the mama, how long do you wait before separating the male kits from the females?

 

[Bridebeliever]

The absolute latest you would keep them together is 12 weeks. I would err on the side of caution and separate them at 10 weeks.

This website can help you with many of your questions until you get that book...

http://www.raising-rabbits.com/

 

[cassie]

Thank you I will try to find the book. I have another question though. If I start off with just a buck and one doe should I try to get them from different breeders? Does it matter with rabbits?

I got my copy at amazon.com. I have also seen it at feed stores. Bennett suggests you find a reputable breeder from whom to purchase your first rabbits and to start off with good quality stock. Have the breeder select two junior bucks, one junior doe, and one bred senior doe for you.

 

[pepperpellets]

I got my copy at amazon.com.  I have also seen it at feed stores. Bennett suggests you find a reputable breeder from whom to purchase your first rabbits and to start off with good quality stock. Have the breeder select two junior bucks, one junior doe, and one bred senior doe for you.

When I was starting out, I could not find any breeders that were willing to part with senior does. I have the book aND wanted to follow that plan but could only find kits to purchase and had to wait for them to reach maturity.

 

[Andrei]

I wanted to start a little slower, would it be a problem if I started with just one buck and one doefrom different breeders?

 

[pepperpellets]

I wanted to start a little slower, would it be a problem if I started with just one buck and one doefrom different breeders?

I think that is just fine. Very wise to start at a level that isn't overwhelming.

 

[pepperpellets]

Just be aware to have a hutch for the doe and one for the buck. Housing them together isnt a good plan.