Getting a New Doe-Cage Question

[aggieterpkatie]

Well, if all the stars align properly I'll be getting a new doe on Friday. I say "new" doe, but really it'll be my only doe because not sure if you remember, but my 2 previous "does" were actually bucks. I have to go all the way to NC to get her, but we're going down to visit my family so it's right on the way. She'll be a 6-7 week old NZ white. I am thinking of getting 2 (if they still have 2 available), but I'm wondering about housing. How long can I keep them together? Will they fight eventually? I remember having 2 does together when we were kids, but what I've read now says rabbits do better alone. Is that true? If I could keep them in the same cage it would be do-able, but if I have to keep them in separate cages I may just get 1. They'd be littermates.

 

[bluemini]

Well, if all the stars align properly I'll be getting a new doe on Friday. I say "new" doe, but really it'll be my only doe because not sure if you remember, but my 2 previous "does" were actually bucks. I have to go all the way to NC to get her, but we're going down to visit my family so it's right on the way. She'll be a 6-7 week old NZ white. I am thinking of getting 2 (if they still have 2 available), but I'm wondering about housing. How long can I keep them together? Will they fight eventually? I remember having 2 does together when we were kids, but what I've read now says rabbits do better alone. Is that true? If I could keep them in the same cage it would be do-able, but if I have to keep them in separate cages I may just get 1. They'd be littermates.

Well at that age I would keep them in the same cage for a while .

 

[brentr]

Littermates can usually be kept together for quite a while, given that they are used to being together. Very different situation than if you housed two strange rabbits together and expected them to get along.

Once you separate them into their own cages, don't plan on putting them together again for long-term shared housing.

 

[Ms. Research]

Littermates do get along, especially at the young age of 6-7 weeks. Actually if you do bring home two does, it would be best for them to stay together for a while until they settle in. I wouldn't worry about fighting or territorial problems until the hormones kick in at approx 4 months. Once that happens, I would then put them in separate cages to get used to before time to breed them.

Wishing you luck with your new doe or does. Have a safe trip and enjoy time with family.

K

 

[Ms. Research]

So how was the visit? Hope you had a safe trip there and back.

Also how is the doe? Or should I say does?

Hope all is well

Wishing you and yours a Happy and Healthy New Year!

K

 

[DKRabbitry]

I kept littermate NZW does together untill they were 7 months old. The big cage was the only one I had open and they did fine. I seperated them at that time because I had another cage open and it was getting close to breeding time for them, at which time their hormones would have changed and probably caused an issue.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Well I got 2 does! I'll start a new thread tomorrow and post pics.

 

[Ms. Research]

Well I got 2 does! I'll start a new thread tomorrow and post pics.

Congratulations. I was hoping you brought home two does. Can't wait to see the pics and hear how they are doing.

K

 

[4-H forever!<3]

I know a lot of people who keep liter mates together forever. My friend had two giant chinchillas that couldn't live without each other. I've even heard people putting two stranger rabbits together at a young age and they still live happily together. As long as your cage is big enough ( it would have to be pretty big for two NZ's) and they get along fine, there's no reason to separate them. I have a white doe myself and I think they are a wonderful breed. I've set my eyes on a red buck if I can find one. Congrats on the NZ's and good luck with them!