Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
if they are getting enough feed. It can be tough to tell, especially with the Angora rabbits, just by
looking at them, so be sure to feel their body weight and see how they are doing.
Rabbits need constant access to clean fresh water, so you'll want to check their water dishes every
day. Clean out the water dishes every couple of days, or whenever they are soiled by food or drop-
pings. If your doe is nursing a large litter, be sure to check her water more often—allowing her
water to run out is a big no-no.
Regular cleaning and sanitizing of the cages is needed as well. This helps prevent buildup of fur,
debris, and manure, which can attract bugs, bacteria, or diseases. Clean out the obvious debris
with a wire brush, and then sanitize the cage with disinfectant. Full sanitization should take place
between every breeding cycle or regularly every month or so.
Breeding your rabbits should be done only when you need the offspring. Place the doe in with the
buck, watching carefully in case of fighting. Allow them to breed for 15 to 20 minutes and then
remove the doe. Rebreed the pair after an hour or two as the second session increases the litter rate.
Then remove the doe back into her cage. Does progress quickly and usually have their babies on
the thirty-first day. Add a nest box to the cage at the twenty-fifth day so she can begin to build her
nest. When you notice the doe pulling fur to line the nest box, you should have kits within the day.
Avoid disturbing the nest box for the first couple days after the kits are born except to remove any
deceased babies. Watch out for any kits that have slipped out of the nest box, though, as sometimes
when the doe leaves the nest they will ride out latched on to the nipples. Does will not retrieve
their young, so you'll need to place them back in the nest box if they are still alive. Record any
litter sizes, both live and dead kits, so you can track your breeding efforts.
Many breeders use tattoo identifications for their livestock. Simple home kits are available so you
can tattoo your rabbits on their left ear. This allows you to better track their daily care, breeding,
eating, and so on. This is especially important for rabbits you plan to keep as breeders, or sell to
others for use as breeders.
By 14 days old, your babies should have their eyes open. If they don't, you may need to use a Q-tip
and warm water to clean their eyes gently on a daily basis until their eyes open. Most breeders
remove their kits from their mothers around 6 to 8 weeks of age.
cheWS and entertainMent
Provide some toys or entertainment for your rabbits to avoid behaviors like aggressiveness or fur chewing/
plucking. You might create an outdoor ark or bunny-run to allow them time outdoors in a protected area.
Other times you can add chew toys like the wood chews for large rodents from the pet store. A homemade
source of chewable wood that is safe for rabbits are the tips of apple trees pruned from your home
orchard. However, never give your rabbits apple branches that you don't know the source of. Nonorganic
methods of growing fruit involve a huge amount of chemical sprays and applications that can make your
rabbit sick. Only provide apple branches from sources you are familiar with and can trust.
