New to Meat rabbits

[hcammack]

Hey everyone. I just got into breeding meat rabbits have 1 buck and 3 does. My buck is a young Cali cross, one Palomino doe, one Cal doe, and one Flemish x Palomino doe. I am feeding pellets, going to attempt adding some sprouted wheat, and unlimited grass hay. My rabbits are outside in Vermont. But in the next month or two I would like to breed a couple does. Would they be warm enough to kindle in March or April. May also bring one doe inside. My cal doe has had a litter before. The others are all first time breeders. Any suggestions/ information for a newbie starting out with rabbits? Here is my Palominox Flemish doe a month or so ago. She has developed a dewlap and grown quiet a bit and may be ready to breed soon

 

[brentr]

Kindling in March or April shouldn't be a problem if the does are good mothers. Lots of folks (including me) have had litters born in temps down to mid-20s farenheit. If the doe builds a good fur-lined nest and kindles more than just 1-2 kits odds are good. The kits stay warm from the hair and from snuggling with each other.

I don't know about Palominos, but for Cali doe she could be ready to breed at around six months' age and 7-8 lbs weight. The Flemish cross may take longer since the giant breeds mature more slowly.

 

[hcammack]

Thanks. I am going to breed the Cali now as she is at least a year and has had previous litters. The palomino and palominox flemish are going to wait for at least another month or two before getting bred. I feel that they are still doing some growing now. I am feeding everyone about 1 cup of pellets a day and unlimited hay. What do you recommend for winter feeding? They always have access to fresh water. I am feeding the Cali adult doe less as she is older and already a bit heavy.

Thanks for the great advice!

 

[secuono]

They shouldn't need any special food in winter unless you are seeing weight loss. Just make sure there are no drafts and the harsh wind doesn't blow directly in.

 

[hcammack]

Thanks for the info. I will keep feeding them as I have been. They seem to be doing well although probably are a bit cold in this storm.

 

[Brunner]

I don't feel as you will have to many problems with kindling in march and april. I have a litter that was just born on the sixth and it has been in the single digits every night since. All are still doing well.

 

[sagewoman]

Hi, One of my NZs kindled six days ago with 8 kits. The other kindled in six weeks ago. Good luck.