Breeding Meat Rabbits The Right Way

[@terrywarburton6119]

Glad to hear you talk about the "red vent". I figured that out by trial and error, and it saves me from wasted time waiting for them to breed.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for taking the time to comment!

[@sarahmelson90]

I went on amazon last spring and got a rechargable battery operated hand pruning tool. I love it so much, my aunt gave me another for Christmas not knowing I had one already and I'll never be without another. They are great for making quick work of trimming, pruning or even something like cutting limbs down for rabbit treats! They cut up to a 1 inch diameter some a little more.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

very cool, sounds like a terrific tool. Thanks for sharing!

[@911slek]

We are new to meat rabbits. Our doe has had two litters and this last litter she had 14 and only 3 survive. She has a wire cage and wood enclosed nesting box plus kept in my horse barn. She always growels with my buck.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

be sure to double her feed after kindling. try to feed her some whole oats or black oil sunflower seeds on top of pellet and hay. this has a high fat content which will help with lactation.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

these videos may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/poqUhp9_atB1rrMfeature=shared kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJeXh4qdbqiGZqMfeature=shared

[@wabbit321]

Nice video, I learned a few things. Years ago I raised show rabbits. Had some great stock and won a lot at state shows. Got too busy with work and sold out of the rabbit business. I am moving to Portugal and will start raising rabbits again. Wonderful endeavor and some of the healthiest meat available.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

thanks for taking the time to comment Best of luck with your future rabbitry

[@jasminesmith6452]

Oh my goodness that is one determined buck! I did not have much luck all winter, but I'm going to do as you recommend and put them on a better breeding schedule! Your videos are always so helpful, hope you and the family are staying warm in this last little bit of winter weather we're getting 😊

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I’m sorry to hear you’re having trouble, I hope your luck turns around-best of luck with your breeding and thank you again for watching!

[@cs7717]

Damn, I'm getting rabbit fur on me just watching! 😂

[@shameless716]

I know right?!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

lol, I deleted all the sneezing and coughing and hacking. thanks for commenting!

[@suegibson8914]

I started wiping my face too 😂😂😂😂

[@Ilangefarms]

That buck is a must have. 5 falls 😮

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

He did a great job! Not camera shy at all.

[@olukayodeadegoke433]

Thank you Bobby for always reminding me about re-introduction 8-10 hrs after breeding. I almost always dont do this because the few times i tried my does usually refused to be mated again and most often it comes out that are satisfied with the breeding done ealier in the morning. I even thought maybe if i shotened the interval to like 6-8 hrs after it would make a diffrenece but i just abandoned it alltogether since they usually get pregnant after the morning breeding. What do you think i should do better to be able to get then re-bred 8-10 hrs later like you have successfully done?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

aThabks for watching, if things are working the way you’re doing it that’s great if you want to try to get bigger litters, the egg follicles will rupture right around 8 to 10 hours after the first breeding. which is a good time.

[@RichardNutsugah-b7x]

Hello I’m really learning a lot from you I’m in Ghana and how can I get the rabbit kindling calendar ?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Here you go! the-rabbitry-center.square.site/product/kindling-calendar/38 Thanks for asking!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

the-rabbitry-center.square.site/product/kindling-calendar/38

[@Ilangefarms]

Your videos are very educative. Thank you

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

You’re very welcome, thanks for watching!

[@hillockfarm8404]

If your rabbit has something like furmites or vent disease (i.e. contagious problems) of course you don't put them in with another bunny esp. not a buck since he can pass that on to his next date. So also check your buck! And clip nails while you do the inspections, then you don't need to handle a pregnant doe late in pregnancy. Weighing them while you are at it and again about day 12 can tell you yes/no to pregnant also and safely (given same diet of course). Palpating for pregnancy is tricky, to soft and false no, to hard and damage risk. False pregnancy signs like making a nest around day 17 depends on how much nest. I have does that will clearly have nesting ideas around that time and kindle day 30-31, but that is not a half cage full of fur at day 17. So nesting behaviour is not an automatic not pregnant sign. Molting takes a far bit of energy and while they may be happy to party it can prevent a litter due to not enough energy for both at once.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. These videos are for those that are new to breeding rabbits, and I try to keep them short and simple to follow . Sounds like you’re very familiar and know what you’re doing. It’s really difficult to cover every and all aspects in a short video. In this video, I was referring to estrogen and not vet disease, but also something to look for when you’re inspecting your rabbits. Again, thank you for commenting and watching.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

you may enjoy watching and sharing your comments on this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHicc6Rme919o7sfeature=shared

[@bryanhighley4942]

Hey bud, I got a female that won't stop digging in her food. She has ripped wire off of it to dig there more. Should I replace her in the rotation?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for asking! No need to replace, try feeding additional feed other than Pellet on a separate dish or resting board. Often rabbits will paw Pellet away to get to something else like oats or black oil seeds in a J feeder. Simply raising the J feeder a couple of inches will prevent them from Pawing and damaging the J-feeder. You can replace the screen with a new piece using this Cage wire. amzn.to/4cNpwRS

[@deanframe9095]

Boy I’m sure learning so much form you.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

So glad you’re enjoying the videos. thanks for commenting!

[@AgnesMariaL]

I just started rabbits, and my first two breedings (2 does each time, a week apart) didn't produce. I didn't know about the falling off thing, though, so i thought the job was done just after a few mountings. Also, the girls really don't seem to be interested AT ALL... Is this a seasonal thing, like too cold and not enough light? I'm in NS, and the days are still really short. Will be checking out the two other videos you mentioned, as i have a doe due this coming weekend and I suspect she, too, is not pregnant.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

if you’d like to watch more videos on Breeding, just simply type “the Rabbitry Center Breeding” in the search engine, and you can also click our playlist on the Rabbitry Center KZbin channel as well. Once the days get longer, and the temperatures warm a bit Hopefully your luck turns around.

[@restriayu1108]

last year I started with a pair. Now I have 9 rabbits. My does (now I have 3 does) are never interested... It seems like they would lift when I'm not around. When the does looks ready, I leave 'em with the bucks while I do my rabbit chores in the morning & evening.... I have got 3 litters this way... Good luck with your rabbits.. they will kindle eventually 👍👍

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for sharing!@@restriayu1108

[@robbie46]

Just curious, what makes the Rabbitry Center experts on rabbit raising?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I’ve never considered myself an expert just a rabbit enthusiast who’s passionate about running a Rabbitry business. I enjoy helping folks get started with their Rabbit production as well as backyard business. We upload free helpful videos on KZbin every week and also run a Rabbitry podcast sharing helpful information. Be sure to let me know if you’re looking for any information. I can recommend Rabbitry products, books and easy to follow online courses to help you along your rabbit journey.

[@caninecuts]

And I thank you!

[@CherylL-sv9xv]

I bred my rabbits for the first time today. One of the bucks did not do the usual fall off but stiffened, closed his eyes and almost looked like he fell asleep on the doe before going at it again. This happened 3 times. Would you count this as successful?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

It almost sounds like he’s getting tuckered out before falling off, which could mean he’s a little heavy and may need a diet adjustment. Did you inspect her vent for a red and swollen look? Also did your doe position her tail up and get on her toes? your chances are better if you noticed these things. but I’d try again if you didn’t.

[@CherylL-sv9xv]

@@TheRabbitryCenter Thank you so much very helpful. We did not check her vent but she did a great job lifting for him.

[@Deadwoodrabbitry]

Hey bobby, have you can you watch the vent while shes pregnant to tell if she took or not? Ive run an experiment, and my results didnt tell me much. Do ypu have an experience in this?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I check the vent for estrogen cycle, but for pregnancy you can either choose to weigh before and after breeding or you can palpate- here’s a video to help you tell if she’s pregnant kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHicc6Rme919o7sfeature=shared

[@MGk-Farmer]

Do you ever have to buy new rabbits to add to the existing group. And if you do how many times do you do that. A once a year thing or every other year? Maybe you've answered this question and could point me to the video if you don't feel like answering it right off.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

please ask all the questions you want, we use line breeding to achieve the characteristics we want, and after 2-3 generations, we will entertain outcrossing, but we will sometimes go 3 to 4 years, just using our own rabbits, to achieve our goals. when we do out cross with a new blood, it will be premium rabbits with preferred characteristics.

[@jessicamcintosh231]

So what if you kept some of the litters. I had 3 I'm the beginning and out of those three can't remember how many we've sold( is it important to know this for future use?) But some of those babies grew up and have mated with the o g bucks and i just wanted to know is that a problem bc I'm still learning and i just want to know what to do about that ?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thank you for asking, it depends on what your goals are-if you’re trying to produce more rabbits and fill the freezer, it won’t be a problem. But if you’re trying to sell Rabbits to supplement your feed cost or put some supplement income in your pocket, keeping your Rabbits separated so you can schedule and control the breeding for superior genetics is ideal. Your Rabbits will sell a lot easier when you have that genetic information for your customers. More information in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIaYiImlmr6mqasfeature=shared

[@zelalembekler9767]

some times my does refuse or not happy with bucks what canyou suggest me please?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Pay attention to her event, like stated in the video when she’s ready, hers a video that shares several tactics kzbin.info/www/bejne/p32nZ6WDqMt2Y5ofeature=shared

[@AlienSKP]

Hi I started to raise rabbits last year. Is that why I only had 4 kits per litter for both my does all along my first breeding season? I just need to leave them together longer?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

It could be a couple things it could’ve been a hot part of the season, causing your Bucks to be a little less fertile. Your rabbits could be at the beginning or the end of their breeding career. they could be over weight. This video is a simple to follow guide to help you have more success and Kindle bigger litters. Best of luck

[@sheiladuncan1027]

I've been wanting to get rabbits, but I honestly can't recall ever having eaten it. So, I bought some from a store; frozen; just to test the waters. IT WAS HORRIBLE !! It tasted freezer-burnt; it was tough; it was very disappointing. My question to you and your viewers is : how do you cook it ? Was the flavor I was tasting the " gamey " taste, or could it have been freezer burnt ? I've been cautiously planning, but now I feel if I got rabbits it'd just be for animal food.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I’m sorry to hear that. It sounds like you ate a roaster/freezerburnt rabbit. Often these contracts with stores require the farmer to grow out past 5 pounds, which are older roaster rabbits, which can be tough if they aren’t prepared correctly. I have sold rabbits in the past to folks, wanting to get started and test the waters like you said. I’d try reaching out to a breeder in your area and see if you can purchase a fryer rabbit (3 month old) These are equivalent to the rotisserie chickens you purchase at the grocery store you’ll find it to be much more tender and tasty. Rabbit meat has a very natural earthy taste much like turkey sort of like chicken but not exactly. It will easily take on the taste of the dish you’re preparing. You may enjoy this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/emrQiKiHnZiIrqMfeature=shared

[@Osmosus787]

Hello, so I have an off subject question. My doe is 37 days pregnant. I can't find anything online about this or what am I supposed to do? She is a first time doe. I got her pregnant the same day as another doe, the other doe kindled on day 32. This doe is 100 percent pregnant as well. I can see the babies kicking plus she's doubled in size. I can tell she is very uncomfortable. I'm hoping you can give me some advice on this. Regardless thanks in advance and I love y'all's videos!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

A pregnant rabbit will gain a couple pounds, but I wait to double her feed portions until she kindles just keep up the good work monitoring the situation make sure she has freshwater and gather some whole oats or black oil, sunflower seeds in the meantime to feed her when she kindles to help lactation she should Kindle today or tomorrow.

[@Osmosus787]

@@TheRabbitryCenter I've been giving her the same amount of pellets and she hasn't ate them in the last two days. I have been giving her hay and she does have fresh water. Also she's gotten really big and I'm thinking because she is so overdue. So is it normal for them to go over 35 days? You think she will have them on day 38-39? ( Also I appreciate you getting back to me so quickly)

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

it’s quite normal for rabbits to lose their appetite right around the time they Kindle, so stay tuned…. It should happen soon it’s not normal to go that long but it can happen from time to time. If you haven’t purchased it already, A Terrific calendar tool is our Kindling calander product that you can use in your phone with google sheets app. It shows you instant dates after putting in your breeding date-nesting box kindling dates, removal in rebreeding dates. the-rabbitry-center.square.site/product/kindling-calendar/27

[@Osmosus787]

@@TheRabbitryCenter I will look into the calendar. I am really good at record keeping. I watched your video on how most rabbitrys fail because they don't keep track of everything. Also update: no babies and she started eating again. I have no clue what's going on. Do you think something could be wrong?

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

@@Osmosus787 Good record keeping is the best way to breed. It's hard to say for sure, she may just be hungry and knows she needs the nutrition. You said you seen the babies kicking so she most likely is going a little longer. It's rare but it can happen. Try your best to not worry and just be patient. That's all you can do and it should work out. She may kindle the next litter a little sooner. Best of luck

[@aileensmith3062]

Interesting and you simply reminded us of what we already knew, Thank You!

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Thanks for watching!

[@brandongoodrich1325]

I just had one of my does bred and I swear on my granny she spit each one out it wasn’t pee just a quick squirt I guess we will see if it took

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

This is pretty common. That’s why I keep the doe in the bucks cage for 30 minutes even after the breeding takes place just to maintain fertilization they’re less likely to pee or push out after your buck services your doe in the bucks cage- it does happen though I recommend re-breeding her 8 to 10 hours later and then again seven days from now if she growls and doesn’t want anything to do with the buck then she probably has everything she needs. But if you do get a fall off, I mark the calendar again for a second possible date of birth. Instead of the first one remember to breed you’re does that have a red swollen vent. This makes for bigger and better litters. weighing her, and then again in 3 weeks this is also something you can do along with palpating. Be sure to check out our palpating video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHicc6Rme919o7sfeature=shared

[@israelquintero3118]

What a shame you are that far away from me , I will love to buy some rabbits from you

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

thanks for checking. Be sure to check out our rabbitry map on our website. There’s many good breeders selling good breeds near you. therabbitrycenter.com/rabbitry-map-united-states-of-america-rabbitries-anywhere-and-everywhere/

[@benderbender1233]

✌🙂

[@deanframe9095]

That buck is saying Danger Danger. Cuz the Doe don’t want him or cuz the Door is open.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

I think everything went well, 9 fall offs for the day which was certainly better than I expected. I only kept the door open for video purposes, but in most cases I would’ve kept it shut during the breeding process.

[@ProfessorFickle]

Dumb internet comment : use of artificial insemination Gun ? 5-10 times more efficient.

[@ProfessorFickle]

Serous question 🙋‍♂️ : I have a on again off again Rodent , squirrel 🐿 ( and ocasional possum ) problem in my area I’m thinking about starting meat rabbits 🐇,. We live near a park so no matter what I do they will travel to our avocado and fruit trees . I’m worried about my Babbitt getting sick 🤒 .

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

Once you acquire the basic skills and knowledge necessary to breed rabbits, it’s a simple process. That said, it’s not like Bucks are protecting the flock, like a rooster, or a lion with his pride. even with beekeeping drones or male bees, have one job and that’s to breed with queens all they do is sit around and eat until it’s time to breed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmLPloSXmbSSb9Esi=jU25hJypeVa54c0y If you’re willing to purchase rabbit buck-sperm and it’s less time-consuming and expensive than purchasing new bucks than i’d consider it. But I’d certainly figure out how often your breeding your rabbits, and how much this will cost you annually for a production.

[@TheRabbitryCenter]

rodent problem - you may enjoy this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXW2oYGbh9SteNkfeature=shared