Top 10 Rabbit Breeding Taboos to Avoid

Rabbit Breeding: What to Avoid

1. Avoid Inbreeding

In many rabbit farms, inbreeding is a common practice. However, offspring from inbreeding often suffer from weakened constitutions, low disease resistance, and slow growth, which can ultimately decrease the rabbit's productivity, vitality, and the quality of their fur. It's best to steer clear of inbreeding whenever possible.

2. Avoid Early Breeding

Domestic rabbits reach sexual maturity before their physical functions are fully developed. Therefore, simply because a rabbit is in heat doesn't mean it's ready for breeding. Generally, female rabbits should start breeding around 5 to 6 months of age, and it's advisable to wait an additional month before breeding male rabbits.

3. Avoid Overbreeding and Haphazard Mating

On average, a male rabbit should not be bred more than twice a day, with one breeding session per day being ideal. After two consecutive days of breeding, a day of rest is recommended. It's also best to limit a male rabbit's annual ejaculation to no more than 60 times, and to strictly prohibit mating rabbits with severe defects. The genetic performance of young males and females is most stable, and their productivity and performance are typically better.

4. Avoid Breeding During Summer

The summer months are hot and often accompanied by heavy rains. Female rabbits may experience irregular estrus and difficulty in conception during this season. Additionally, some pregnant rabbits may suffer from reduced appetite, insufficient milk production, leading to poor development of the offspring, and even death. High temperatures can also cause heatstroke in pregnant rabbits, leading to miscarriage or dystocia. Moreover, male rabbits may experience testicular atrophy, poor semen quality, and a high number of dead sperm due to the heat, resulting in reduced breeding ability. Therefore, it's best to avoid breeding rabbits during the summer.

5. Avoid Early or Delayed Weaning of Kits

Early weaning of kits can lead to a higher mortality rate, while delayed weaning can cause kits to rely on their mother's milk for too long, affecting their digestive system and growth. Late weaning can also impact the mother's health. It's generally recommended to wean kits at around 35 to 40 days old.

6. Avoid Blind Mixed Grouping

Mixing rabbits in the same group can be challenging to manage for diseases and can lead to fighting. It's best to separate rabbits based on gender, growth rate, and size. Typically, a cage can house 4 to 5 rabbits. Once females start to come into heat or males can produce sperm, separate them into different cages.

7. Avoid Poor Management Practices

Rabbit farming requires a comprehensive management system that takes into account the rabbits' habits, different breeds, and seasonal changes. This includes maintaining proper temperatures and humidity in the pens, regular vaccinations, and implementing disease prevention measures.

This summary by Oxygen Pet Doctor highlights the dos and don'ts of rabbit breeding and husbandry. Keep these guidelines in mind to ensure your rabbits are well cared for.