At What Age Do You Retire Does?

[GypsyG]

I have a wonderful doe named Zelda. As of yesterday, she has a beautiful litter of 10! Zelda is 4-1/2 years old. I've tried twice to retire her, but she gets visibility depressed if you don't let her have and raise kits! She is just such a wonderful, cheeful mother that I keep letting her do what keeps her happy. This new litter has got me thinking, and I was wondering... At what age do y'all usually retire your does? How long can a doe continue to reproduce without causing harm to her health? I would love to hear some of y'all's experiences with breeding senior does.

 

[GypsyG]

 

[Tale of Tails Rabbitry]

It depends on condition and if the kits are born healthy and how often you bred her. Usually, around four years for most of mine, but some only three years and some close to five.

 

[GypsyG]

It depends on condition and if the kits are born healthy and how often you bred her. Usually, around four years for most of mine, but some only three years and some close to five.

I do 6-7 my younger does, but I have cut Zelda down to 3-4.

 

[DutchBunny03]

She's so pretty!!! What breed is she?

 

[GypsyG]

She is a mutt with lots if satin, and a little rex and Flemish.

 

[DutchBunny03]

Cool. Her coloration is amazing.

 

[promiseacres]

I would stop breeding when her litters reduce significantly in numbers or the amount she can raise. Sounds like she's still doing great.

 

[Baymule]

Listen to Zelda. She will tell you.