How to Breed Rabbits for the First Time

Are you thinking of breeding rabbits? As an over-a-decade-long rabbit keeper, I have had broad experience with these beautiful creatures.

It is quite an adventure to breed rabbits; it’s just that the experience and information go about it cautiously.

Here, I will share everything you need to know about starting your rabbit breeding journey.

Why Breed Rabbits?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s discuss why someone would breed rabbits in the first place. Perhaps you’re looking to increase your furry family, or maybe you’re interested in showing rabbits.

Whatever your reason, it’s important to realize that breeding comes with some heavy responsibility.

Keep in mind that breeding rabbits means more care for the new little bunnies. Are you ready to make that kind of commitment?

Take a minute now to really think this through.

Selecting Your Breeding Pair

The first step when breeding rabbits is choosing the right pair. Here is what you have to consider:

• Age: Your rabbits should be at least 6 months old before you start breeding. Younger rabbits are not physically fit for the rigors of pregnancy and raising young bunnies.

• Health: Both rabbits should be in perfect condition. Have they been checked by a vet lately? It’s a good idea to do so before breeding.

• Genetics: Research the background of your rabbits for specific genes that you want to pass on to the babies. This way, you might get an idea of what they might look like.

• Temperament: Use rabbits that have nice personalities. Friendly rabbits seem to make nicer parents.

Preparing for Breeding

Now that you have your pair selected, it’s time to get ready for the big day. Here is what you will need to do:

• Provide a nesting box: A prospective mother will need somewhere quiet and safe to give birth and care for her babies. This could be one made of wood, lined with hay.

• Stock up with food: Pregnant does will require additional food. Ensure you have enough high-quality rabbit pellets and fresh vegetables in store.

• Clear your schedule: Rabbits need peace and quiet during breeding and pregnancy. Make sure you’ll be available to monitor them.

The Breeding Process

Now onto the exciting stuff – the actual breeding! Here’s how it’s usually done:

1. Put the female in the male’s cage: This reduces stress for the female and increases the chances of successful mating.

2. Watch them: If she is ready, the female will let the male mount her. If she is not ready, she may run or even become quite aggressive.

3. Leave them together for about 15-20 minutes: This usually allows for successful mating to take place.

4. After they mate, place the female back into her cage: Some breeders re-breed a few hours later to maximize chances of pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Birth

If conception is successful, your doe will be pregnant for about 31 days. During this period:

• Provide extra food and water: Your doe is eating for many now!

• Keep stress to a minimum: Too much excitement can be bad for pregnant rabbits.

• Watch for nest-building behavior: About a week prior to kindling, your female rabbit will start pulling fur from her chest to line the nest.

When it’s birth time — called kindling — let your rabbit have a bit of privacy. Most rabbits deliver without problems.

After the babies, or kits, are born, it’s a good idea to let their mother have some time with her newborns before you handle them. She needs some bonding time with her babies.

Caring for the New Family

Congratulations! You are now a grandparent to a bunch of tiny, squiggly kits. Here’s how to care for them:

• Check the nest daily but do not handle the kits too much in the first days: Ensure the female rabbit is eating and drinking well as she requires additional energy to produce milk.

• Keep the area quiet: Minimize any type of disturbance, which can stress both the mother and babies.

• After approximately two weeks, the kits will open their eyes and begin moving around:
  Now it becomes interesting!

Common Problems in Rabbit Breeding

As with any new undertaking, raising rabbits comes with several challenges. Here are a few that might arise:

•  Rejection of kits by their mother: This sometimes happens, and the mother will reject her babies. In such a case, you will be forced to hand-raise your kits.

• Health complications: Health complications may arise during pregnancy or birth. Observe your rabbit keenly during and after pregnancy for any signs of illness and consult a vet if you have any concerns.

Final Thoughts

Breeding rabbits is a rewarding task, but it isn’t a step to be taken lightly. Take it easy, do your homework, and make sure you’re up for the task.

Feel ready to begin your breeding adventure? Think you might have a few questions? That’s okay. After all, that’s why I built this website—to help a fellow rabbit lover like you!