Breeding Rabbits

• For a rabbit mating, you’ll take the doe to the buck. Important: if you take the buck to the doe, the fur will fly, as does are very territorial. If she's not 'in the mood,' she'll wreak havoc on the buck.

• The gestation period for a female rabbit (doe) is 31 days. The doe can kindle (give birth) between day 28 and day 35, however 99% of the time she’ll be punctual - between day 31 and day 32.

• Is the doe really pregnant? Here're some signs to watch for in a pregnant rabbit.

• Your doe will need a rabbit nest box in her cage on Day 28 after mating.

• Rabbit Fetus Images - Just so you know, a rabbit pregnancy occasionally doesn't go as planned.

• Rabbits giving birth - The doe usually kindles in the middle of the night, though this is not a hard-and-fast rule.

• The baby bunnies (kits) are born blind, deaf, and without fur. By 7 days old, they usually have enough fur to keep themselves warm.
  
  
  
  
• Taking care of baby rabbits immediately after kindling, and especially if the doe needs a helping hand during or shortly after kindling. You especially want to keep an eye out for little kits dropped accidentally outside the nest box. If not cared for immediately they may freeze to death.

• Care of baby rabbits - during the first two weeks of life. We like to take the nest box out of the cage when the bunnies are 14 days old. There is a bit of leeway to this suggestion.

• Raising baby rabbits from about 2 weeks of age to weaning.

• Sexing rabbits - how to determine the gender of the baby bunnies as early as 2-3 weeks of age.

• When to re-breed the doe depends on a number of different factors. Some breeders simply breed every three months. This gives the doe plenty of time to rebuild her condition. Others let the doe's condition dictate the rebreeding schedule. For example, when we need to rebreed a doe, we find that waiting about a week after the kits are weaned puts the doe back at the top of her form.

• Info on Rabbits and Bunnies - This rabbit information FAQ page answers questions about pregnant rabbits, rabbits giving birth, and taking care of bunnies

Breeding rabbits can provide an unforgettable experience when done wisely, and is especially valuable for teaching kindness and animal husbandry to children.

"The righteous man regards the life of his animal"
(Proverbs 12:10)

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