We bought a mature female Fuzzy Lop and wish to breed her - but are not sure if she would be considered too old (we have her registration papers so know her age) she is in good health
2006-09-11 03:37:02 · 5 answers · asked by CF_ 7 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
yes I know there are alot in shelters - I used to work for one...
she is a purebred papered rabbit we know there are buyers in our area for purebred rabbits
2006-09-11 03:48:39 · update #1
Okay, speaking as a breeder, I agree with the 2nd poster that the overpopulation does Mainly consist of dogs and cats. Mostly is the key word...there are some areas where rabbits too are becoming a major overpopulation. That being said, Fuzzy Lops are extremely popular, and if you have a pure one, and you have a market, there's nothing wrong with that. Just make sure that you have enough people lined up beforehand that will take the babies and give them good homes. All that aside, in my own breeding practice, My bunnies retire from being bred when they're 3 years old. Some will continue to breed until their bunnies are between 5 and 6. Others only breed each female 2 or 3 times and then retire them. The only thing I can recommend, is to take her to a rabbit-savy vet if she's a little past 3 or 4, and make sure that she's completely healthy first. As long as she's not too old, and is healthy, there shouldn't be too much trouble. I would also strongly suggest that you try to find a local breeder or 2 who can show you the ins and outs first...that way you'll have a lot of working knowledge before-hand, and will have someone to talk to about any concerns during the process and after too!
Any other questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me directly at: kbviolin_98@yahoo.com
2006-09-11 05:12:16 · answer #1 · answered by Kellye B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on their care and living conditions, rabbits can live for up to 15 years. They usually don't live that long, but they can with ideal circumstances.
Only your rabbit will know when she is not interested in breeding any more. Generally, rabbits are prolific breeders and that is what they do best. A male rabbit will tell you there is no such thing as too old to do it and a female rabbit stays fertile almost until the day she dies. It's what rabbits do.
Having said that, here are a few things to keep in mind:
First, I noticed someone already said not to breed your rabbit because there are so many unwanted pets in the world already. Yes, that's usually true regarding dogs and cats - not with rabbits or similar caged pets - so disregard that as unrelated to rabbits. It just isn't true.
But, since you want to breed your rabbit to sell the babies, perhaps you'll consider entering her in a rabbit show at the fair. She has all the right qualifications - registered and papered. That's where you will find people serious about buying a quality rabbit.
Join a rabbit breeders club. The club members can help you with every aspect of owning, caring for and housing your rabbits for their best health and condition. You can find a rabbit club near you by contacting the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA). The links at the bottom will help get you going in the right direction. There is a link that lists all the rabbitries in the country - these are farms that specialize in one or more specific breeds and will have an avalanche of information for you. Rabbit enthusiasts love to talk about rabbits!
I hope this helps.
2006-09-11 04:16:22 · answer #2 · answered by north79004487 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Join ARBA and start showing them, usually when they get older, they either won't "take" or will only have one kit. My Wife and I show Mini Rex, Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs, check the state you live in for local clubs also. When you join a club or start showing, you'll never have to worry about selling them, they'll sell fast. This is a fun hobby to get into... and by the way you will never find a show rabbit in any shelter, ever. Also my wife has just sold about 10 rabbits for around $2800.00, she is ranked # 17 in the nation (2005), so her rabbits sell quite well and are in demand. When you start showing and winning the price for your rabbits will go up considerably.
2006-09-11 06:38:33 · answer #3 · answered by Axe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breeders usually like for a doe to have her first litter before she reaches a year. After this, it can be harder to get her bred. I'd try it, if she doesn't get pregnant after a few tries, there's your answer.
2006-09-11 05:39:51 · answer #4 · answered by BB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please don't breed your rabbit. There are so many in shelters right now.
2006-09-11 03:42:19 · answer #5 · answered by sugarcarat 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋