Few Questions

[Becca]

I read in a rabbit book yesterday that the mating season for rabbits is January - July, and their more likley to have a successful litter becuase their bodies change at that time.

Is that true?

Also it said nothing about rabbits overage breeding.... it said that doe's can live to see their grandbuns and they must still be breeding then becuase they can't help it.
Is that true?

I was just wondering, becuase mum read it and I am running out of reasons to say no.

 

[Flashy]

Yup, the breeding season is then for wild buns, although they can obviously breed at any time. This is when the males get most rampant, lol.

Rabbits can breed for many years, however, when they have their first litter is key. Ideally she should have had her first litter at 6-7 months I believe and obviously she is past that. Basically, you will be very likely to end up with more dead pencil kits because she won't be flexible enough.

Have you read the thread about litter complications?

Also, who is it that wants to breed?

 

[Becca]

Mum and Emily :X

 

[Flashy]

Could your mum come on here and post her own questions? It might help us to inform her more.

I don't envy you all the panic of going through that again because you were all scared, even though your mum was outwardly calm.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Are they planning to purchase a young doe? (b/c obviously, Fluffball's too old )

 

[Becca]

Autumn, thats what I was thinking, I'll have to look at other rescue sites becuase the ones i've looked at so far either the does are too old or there aren't any!

 

[Flashy]

They wouldn't let you breed from a rescue animal because it's been through so much already.

Why not spend time learning about what to do to breed, gainingin fund,s etc, and then if you are still intent on breeding contact a local breeder and discuss with her/him what you want to do and let them help you find a good doe for breeding, and maybe a buck too so that you won't be deliberately producing babies that could potentially have health problems and will have done all you can to avoid those issues.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

Maybe today you can search online for a breeder in your area. Write them a very polite message explaining that you want to learn how to be a responsible breeder, and want to learn from someone who is knowledgable.

They may invite you to learn from them.

I agree with Flashy on the adoption aspect. The point of breeding is to create a wonderful rabbit with virtually no health issues, who is a good representative of their breed. You would need rabbits whose genetic history and medical history is known.

I'm sure a breeder would be happy to help you learn. Once that person thinks that you fully understand how to breed properly, they might sell you a doe and a buck that would be a good pair to breed, and help you through it.

 

[NorthernAutumn]

W G Childs & Sons, Manor Farm,
KETTERING, NN14 3AH, 01832735583
--------------------------
http://www.freewebs.com/pedigreerexrabbits/northamptonrabbitclub.htm
This site looks like a good club for you to join in the meantime to learn more about breeding responsibly.
---------------------------
You should join this forum too, and meet some people in your area
http://s1.zetaboards.com/Rabbit_Talk_uk/index/
-----------------------------------------------------
http://www.thebrc.org/area4a.htm
British Rabbit Club
---------------------------------
http://www.touchlocal.com/nat/c-1587-Rabbit+Breeders
There may be a breeder in a community near you on here.
--------------------------------------------------------
http://www.therabbitpalace.co.uk/
Sooty Fawn Lop Breeder
-----------------------------------------

It may be possible to foster a pregnant doe through the rescue organizations you were looking at. That way, you get to enjoy babies, without doing the actual breeding.

Forgive me if I'm wrong, but I think you are more interested in cuddling cute babies, than the mating process. That is OK; it just means that you take on pregnant does who need a foster home (instead of breeding irresponsibly).

 

[Sabine]

Good job NorthernAutumn to find all those links. There's so much support out there in the UK. No excuse really to mess it up.

 

[TinysMom]

Becca wrote:

I read in a rabbit book yesterday that the mating season for rabbits is January - July, and their more likley to have a successful litter becuase their bodies change at that time.

Is that true?

Also it said nothing about rabbits overage breeding.... it said that doe's can live to see their grandbuns and they must still be breeding then becuase they can't help it.
Is that true?

I was just wondering, becuase mum read it and I am running out of reasons to say no.

I have some questions Becca....and I'm honestly not trying to make you feel bad or start an argument....

You say in your post that you read this in a rabbit book - but then go on to say your mum read it.....did she ask you to read it and give her answers? Can you share the name of the book and maybe we can list books that breeders would recommend instead?

I have a couple of books that I can find and get the titles of - perhaps you could find them on Ebay or something as they are out of print. But they would give you some information that might be more accurate for domestic rabbits. Would you like us to give you some titles?

Honestly - it sounds like your family is just determined to breed...I remember what it is like to be in that place as I was there. I just had to breed...I wanted the cute babies - and yes - I wanted to enhance the breed. As I've shared with a couple of friends since then...I regret it...I'm glad I'm over my breeding days. I'm just too emotional to have to deal with the downside of breeding...but I had to breed and go through the emotional pain - to learn it wasn't for me.

I really think the best bet for your family is to foster a pregnant doe - that way - if there are complications - the rescue would probably take care of vet bills. In addition - you would not be adding to the overpopulation of rabbits there in the UK (from everything I seem to hear on the forum) by doing the breeding yourself.

I think something you need to talk to your family about is - do they want to do the breeding themselves..or do they simply want cute baby bunnies? Because if it is simply about the cute baby bunnies - fostering really is probably the best way to go.

 

[clevername]

Becca wrote:

Autumn, thats what I was thinking, I'll have to look at other rescue sites becuase the ones i've looked at so far either the does are too old or there aren't any!

Becca why are you looking for breeding stock from rescues sites? This is one of my biggest concerns when people come on and say they'd like to breed. Starting with pet rabbits implies you don't care about the quality of the rabbits you produce. It also implies you lack the responsibility and funding to carry out such an operation--and I'm sorry if that comes off a bit harsh.

If your family would like to breed rabbits, why don't they get some quality rabbits?
What is it they would like to achieve from this? Cute babies? Why not adopt or foster? I seriously haven't heard good answers to these questions yet, have you asked them?

 

[LadyBug]

maybe, as others have said, your mom should come on and ask some questions herself, maybe then she'll under stand better. but Fluffball should not under any circumstances be bred again, it will most likely only stress her out and end in heart break(again) for all of you.

 

[pamnock]

Some rabbits breed well year-round, while others are more reluctant during winter months. We've had more incidents of fetal giants during winter months.

We did a lot of breeding yesterday. The weather warmed slightly after a cold snap and the does were very receptive.

Some people prefer to breed Dwarf breeds during the winter with the belief that the offspring will have shorter, thicker "winter ears".

Pam

 

[irishbunny]

guys i don't think there is much point asking her direct questions as i don't think she will reply. maybe leave advice instead

 

[Flashy]

irishbunny wrote:

guys i don't think there is much point asking her direct questions as i don't think she will reply. maybe leave advice instead

Is there any reason why Becca won't reply?

 

[irishbunny]

well on msn it seemed to me like she doesn want everyone on here to hate her so i dont think she wants to start arguments

 

[Flashy]

All we have done is try to help. If she takes on board our advice then there is no reason for us to dislike any choices she makes. If she doesn't want help or to listen to advice, then she shouldn't ask for it, but she did, so I presume she wanted it. I'm also presuming from this that it is Becca that wants to breed, and maybe Fluffball has already been mated up again?

 

[LadyBug]

Flashy wrote:

All we have done is try to help. If she takes on board our advice then there is no reason for us to dislike any choices she makes. If she doesn't want help or to listen to advice, then she shouldn't ask for it, but she did, so I presume she wanted it. I'm also presuming from this that it is Becca that wants to breed, and maybe Fluffball has already been mated up again?

:yeahthat:

 

[Becca]

Guys the reason I haven't been replying is because I don't know what to say... Fluffball has NOT been mated again.

Tracy phoned my mum today and told her the reason why she was 'too old' which mum didnt understahnd before and guess what mums ssaid...

After christmas we can think of maybe getting a new doe or foster a pregnant one!!


YAY