When to re breed

[Sabine]

I am hopefully expecting my first two litters of Netherland dwarfs by the middle of April. I am planning on two to three litters per doe for this year.
My instinct would tell me give the doe a break after she has weaned off the litter but I remember reading in a book that it is advisable to re breed them about four weeks after they have kindled as they are in best condition then.
Considering how long it took me to get them mated I am inclined to follow the advise.
I am just wondering in what intervals other breeders breed their does.

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

I give my does about 3 to 4 months inbetween litters. I only let them have at the most 2 litters a year.

Emily

 

[bunnybunbunb]

Ok, I have tried the a few times a year thing, I does not work well AT ALL. Does get fat or look fine but do not get pregnant due to hidden fat.

My mentor gave his does exactly 30 days break from weaning to rebreeding. He kept his does for 3 years and he had amazing luck, great breeding practises. He produced the best lines as far as breeding and mothering I have ever come across. He only kept rabbits for good moms, including bucks. If he had to foster the babies due to mom's unwillingness to breed he sold them as pets.

Personally, I plan to follow the soon after rebreeding. Depending on what I need at the time I will rebreed between 2 1/2 weeks and 6 weeks after the kindle.

I believe Pam Nock follows the rebreeding soon after breeding. If she does it it must work!

Edit: Does were made to breed constantly. It is what is best for them, production wise. Their body is made for it. Breed all spring, summer and fall long and then rest when the sun starts hiding and it gets colder rest time comes.

 

[Silver Star Rabbitry]

I rebreed my does 4 week after they kindle.

Emily


Silver Star Rabbitry
Raising and Showing Quality Silver Marten Rabbits in North Louisiana.

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[BlueGiants]

Depending on how many they raised and how they look after weaning, I usually breed back 6 weeks after weaning. But I can not breed the Flemish afterMay 1st, it gets much too hot around her in lateJuly and August for them to be on a litter. I will start rebreeding around September 1st. And I can breed them all winter long.

The Mini Rex seem to do much better in the summer months. They really do not cooperate in December and January.

 

[bunnybunbunb]

It gets bad here of the summer, too. I usually cut off at the same time you said, Blue Giants. But this year I have to option of breeding the does in with no hassle. If only I had a cooled building

 

[Sabine]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think I will re breed about 4 weeks after kindling too as it took me long enough to get them pregnant after all.

 

[Sabine]

At least hot Summers are not a problem here. I would aim to have the last litter not later than September/October as it gets cold after