Hi! I am a noob to rabbits and need help deciding!!!!

[Stratmoore Farms]

If my research has gone well, I have come to the conclusion that the male has to be smaller than the female, so I think I will get California does and a New Zealand buck..

About Californias, are they considered too large for a wire floor?

Size of the buck compared to the doe would only come into play if the breeds are drastically different in size. Such as if a Flemish Giant buck were to breed a Mini Rex doe, the kits would probably be too big for her to deliver. Likewise, a NZ or Cali buck with a Florida White doe would be asking for trouble. As far as the NZ's, Cali's, and the like, you would be OK regardless of witch breed is the doe or the buck.

As far as the wire floor, Cali's will be fine on a good heavy gauge 1/2"X1" wire floor.

 

[oneacrefarm]

If my research has gone well, I have come to the conclusion that the male has to be smaller than the female, so I think I will get California does and a New Zealand buck..

About Californias, are they considered too large for a wire floor?

Size of the buck compared to the doe would only come into play if the breeds are drastically different in size. Such as if a Flemish Giant buck were to breed a Mini Rex doe, the kits would probably be too big for her to deliver. Likewise, a NZ or Cali buck with a Florida White doe would be asking for trouble. As far as the NZ's, Cali's, and the like, you would be OK regardless of witch breed is the doe or the buck.

As far as the wire floor, Cali's will be fine on a good heavy gauge 1/2"X1" wire floor.

That NZW buck may end up larger....they typically run slightly larger than Cal's. Most folks cross a Cal buck on a NZW doe, but I love my Cal does, they are great. I don't have any NZW, but am wanting to get a buck or two.

Shannon

 

[Citylife]

If my research has gone well, I have come to the conclusion that the male has to be smaller than the female, so I think I will get California does and a New Zealand buck..

About Californias, are they considered too large for a wire floor?

Size of the buck compared to the doe would only come into play if the breeds are drastically different in size. Such as if a Flemish Giant buck were to breed a Mini Rex doe, the kits would probably be too big for her to deliver. Likewise, a NZ or Cali buck with a Florida White doe would be asking for trouble. As far as the NZ's, Cali's, and the like, you would be OK regardless of witch breed is the doe or the buck.

As far as the wire floor, Cali's will be fine on a good heavy gauge 1/2"X1" wire floor.

And I have tried to breed a FW buck to a CA doe and he could not get the job done. Now I know why Storeys says if you want that cross to breed a large FW doe to a small CA buck. He didnt explain that in the book. I had to learn the hard way. LOLOL

 

[oneacrefarm]

If my research has gone well, I have come to the conclusion that the male has to be smaller than the female, so I think I will get California does and a New Zealand buck..

About Californias, are they considered too large for a wire floor?

Size of the buck compared to the doe would only come into play if the breeds are drastically different in size. Such as if a Flemish Giant buck were to breed a Mini Rex doe, the kits would probably be too big for her to deliver. Likewise, a NZ or Cali buck with a Florida White doe would be asking for trouble. As far as the NZ's, Cali's, and the like, you would be OK regardless of witch breed is the doe or the buck.

As far as the wire floor, Cali's will be fine on a good heavy gauge 1/2"X1" wire floor.

And I have tried to breed a FW buck to a CA doe and he could not get the job done. Now I know why Storeys says if you want that cross to breed a large FW doe to a small CA buck. He didnt explain that in the book. I had to learn the hard way. LOLOL

THAT was a hilarious image in my head!!! Thanks for the laugh...

Shannon

 

[Citylife]

Size of the buck compared to the doe would only come into play if the breeds are drastically different in size. Such as if a Flemish Giant buck were to breed a Mini Rex doe, the kits would probably be too big for her to deliver. Likewise, a NZ or Cali buck with a Florida White doe would be asking for trouble. As far as the NZ's, Cali's, and the like, you would be OK regardless of witch breed is the doe or the buck.

As far as the wire floor, Cali's will be fine on a good heavy gauge 1/2"X1" wire floor.

And I have tried to breed a FW buck to a CA doe and he could not get the job done. Now I know why Storeys says if you want that cross to breed a large FW doe to a small CA buck. He didnt explain that in the book. I had to learn the hard way. LOLOL

THAT was a hilarious image in my head!!! Thanks for the laugh...

Shannon

I am sure the image in your head was close to real life, as it was more then HILARIOUS! I felt bad for the guy.

 

[DKRabbitry]

I have a 6lb mini satin buck that I covered some larger does with (9lbs satin & cal). He got the job done when my other bigger bucks were having *off* days LOL

 

[CCourson05]

I think I've got it then... I will get one Cali buck and two NZ does.. Is there a way to get cottontail colored kits from mixing one color of a NZ?

 

[Lorelai]

I think I've got it then... I will get one Cali buck and two NZ does.. Is there a way to get cottontail colored kits from mixing one color of a NZ?

I'm speaking only from experience here, and I have absolutely no idea how it occurred. We got cottontail colored kits from our New Zealand Black doe and New Zealand White buck. Maybe there were some with our Flemish Giant x New Zealand Black doe and New Zealand White buck; I don't remember. We weren't impressed with that buck, so into the stew pot he went. Anyway, so far we haven't gotten a similar color since, as our other buck is a Californian. We've had some black kits with brown (steel?), not broken, just... hmmm. Can't describe it. The fur is almost black but tipped in brown, if that makes sense? I think it's this particular NZB doe we have. The FGxNZB doe is her daughter, but her babies are less likely to be interesting for whatever reason. Now, we bought the NZB from someone who may or may not have known exactly what she was. She has a brownish/red tinge to her fur, but she's pretty black, and from what pictures I've seen of NZB rabbits, she fits the bill. I think it depends on the individual rabbit's genetics more than anything, so what you just got from me was probably a less than helpful anecdote. Hopefully someone else who really knows will chime in! Best of luck!

Also, I wouldn't rule out Rex, Champagne & Creme D'Argent, Silver Fox, Satin, etc., as potential meat breed rabbits. NZW and Californians are standard, because if you're going to sell them in quantity, the processors want them to have white fur so it doesn't show on the meat as much. Or for that matter, consider the colored New Zealands. We love our NZB doe, and we've kind of meh on our NZW. One raises large litters, and the kits grow out well, and other doesn't do nearly as well. They both have pretty laid back personalities, so that's a plus. Just try to find a reputable breeder, or someone you trust, who will give you good information and be straight with you about the individual rabbits you are buying, breed notwithstanding.