Hi my doe just gave birth to 2 kits. Her first litter she had 10 her second 4 and now only 2. She took twice and then 5 hours later took again. This is suppose to increase the number of kits correct? Disappointed she only had 2 this time. Anybody know why the litter size keeps decreasing?
Hello!
No need to make different posts in different forums. When the post has recently been replied to, or newly created, we'll see it. Just one post per topic please!
Its a popular rumor that the more times the buck falls off, the larger the litter, and while it's never been scientifically proven, I feel its still a habit for most breeders to practice that. I had one of my bucks fall off one time, and my doe delivered 5 kits! Other times, I make sure the buck falls off 5 times, and the litter is maybe 3 kits.
How old is your doe? Whats her diet? Whats her breed? Is the buck the same breed? How old is the buck? How many litters have each had?
Afaik, one common reason for declining fertility is internal fat, so if the doe is somewhat on the chubby side putting her on a diet and lots of exercise for some weeks before breeding could make a difference.
Age, health issues, stress etc., guess many things can play a role.
That more fall offs produce more kits is discussed hence and forth, my opinion is that it is theoretically possible that since they are induced ovulators more mating could release more eggs sometimes. There is not much point stating one or the other truth without methological research and quite big sample numbers, I'm not aware someone is doing that. And even then, it's just a statistic.
I think if it's easy sailing 2 or 3 fall offs don't hurt, also my buck never complained .
Hi sorry I am new here didn’t mean to post it a few times.
The buck and doe are both holland lops. He is a year and a half and she is a almost 2. Her first litter she had 10 then 6 and now 2. I was wondering if I was doing something wrong. Her diet and everything has been the same nothings changed. He is my only buck and I have 2 does. He has been used quite a few times. My other doe gave birth to 6 kits yesterday and she usually never has more than 4 or 5 at most.
Hi, how often she had kits maybe she had no time for recovery since last time? I think 10 kits is a very large litter wondering how she managed to feed them all?
Agreed, 10 kits is a larger litter. How soon do you rebreed after the kits are born? I'd try breeding her again after her current litter is weaned, and if its still small, then I'd retire her to a pet home.
Hi, how often she had kits maybe she had no time for recovery since last time? I think 10 kits is a very large litter wondering how she managed to feed them all?
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