Two does, how will they get along after babies?

by Jen
(Kl, malaysia)

I have a bonded pair but they are both does. Actually they are from the same litter. We want to breed one of them, cuz I don't know if we can handle breeding both at the same time. Would we have to separate them? Once the kits are old enough to get out of the nest box, would the girls need rebonding? I'm new to all this so your experience would be helpful. Thanks.


***** Karen Sez *****
Jen, I'm not sure I have all the answers when it comes to bonding pet rabbits, but I'll tell you what I know as to normal rabbit behavior, and the things I hear from others.

If your two does are really good buddies ('bonded pair' is a man-made concept, you can't count on it in reality), it may be possible to breed one of them, and leave them together for the whole bunny-raising experience. The larger the living space, the easier it is for a submissive doe to get out of the way of a dominant (or grouchy pregnant) one.

If you have any doubts about whether the two rabbits are friends or are tolerating each other, then it may be easier (and safer) to simply separate the rabbits. But, why not start out with the rabbits staying together, and observe them carefully as the days go by to ensure they stay courteous to each other.

I'd love to know how things work out for you!

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Jan 21, 2013
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starstarstarstarstar 		Returning bonded females after pregnancy
by: Anonymous

I have two does that are bonded. One is pregnant. What is the possibility that they will be able to return to the same cage after the babies are gone? This would be at least 2 months apart. Will they still remember each other? Should I keep their cages side by side?
Mar 03, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Thank you!
by: Anonymous

Thank you for your help, I am quite sure now that my doe is bred! I am so excited. We ended up keeping the pregnant doe inside and putting the other one outside until the babies are gone.

By the way, how do you think the two does will get along after the babies are gone and we try them together again? They are both like BEST friends. They do everything together and even groom each other. I hope they will get along again!

Thank you!
Feb 14, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Kits Outside in Spring?
by: Anonymous

I have 2 does, but I only want to breed one of them. They have been together since birth, but their cage is kind of small. Would it be all right to have a litter of kits outside in the middle of March? We live in the mountains of Colorado, but it has been a mild winter so far. My bunnies are holland lops, they are almost fullgrown now, they are about 3 lbs. each. Thank you for your help! I really appreciate it. Thanks.

***** Karen Sez *****
Outside in March in Colorado doesn't raise any red flags for me, as long as the nestbox is out of any drafts and it is stuffed full of shavings, straw and the doe's fur.

Good luck, and have fun!

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