When to breed?

[rabbitlady4433]

I have 2 does and 2 bucks that have not been bread yet, this will be their first time. I haven't even attempted due to the fact that its been over 90 degrees here. (they are thriving however with a relentless momma and her ice bottles) I had heard that these temperatures result in low to no sperm count or will produce low quality kits/kit numbers. I'm itching to see how my new does will do, but how long should I wait after the temperature is lower for there to be a better outcome?

 

[ChickenPotPie]

It is true that the bucks might go temporarily "sterile" or rather be much less likely to be able to impregnate does in the heat but as far as producing lesser quality kits...not likely, unless all the sperm that survive are the ones that carry the "ugly gene".

If you're itchin' and you think your does and kits will be comfortable in one month from now, go for it. The worst that can happen is they don't take and you rebreed in (hopefully) cooler weather.

I normally let the does take the summer off. Perhaps because I've been preggo in heat before and I empathize. lol But, also, because they're usually hot, molting, and thus their bodies are already being stressed.

I also take advantage of the summer break from breeding (and showing) to deworm the herd - a good idea to get them prepared for kindling in a month or so.

I believe (not sure) that heat sterilization in bucks can last up to 2 months but I'd bet 2 months is more common.

 

[M.R. Lops]

I've actually been wondering the same thing. We have like a week of over 100 degrees weather and then thunderstorms, stays cool for a day or two, then gets hot again. I already have a waiting list for my next litter of Hollands, so I finally decided to just breed my doe in the heat. My buns are all kept in a temperature controlled bunny barn except my buck. So, hopefully he doesn't have summer sterile and my doe took. I don't know how to palpate, so i guess I'll just have to wait a month and see. So far this doe has had litters of 7,3, and 8. So, hoping for another large litter and hopefully the heat doesn't decrease the size of the litter.