Are you cut out to be a breeder?

Are you cut out to be a breeder?

People who keep rabbits as pets often think about what it would be like to breed their wonderful bunny. Wouldn't it be grand to have little baby bunnies running around? They are soooo cute,......almost irresistible some might say. Well, before you make the jump from rabbit owner to rabbit breeder there are a few things to consider.

Pet bunnies need shelter ,food, water, and love. The basic pet rabbit owner has few responsibilities beyond providing these on a regular basis. Breeders, on the other hand, face numerous tasks that are unnecessary for pet rabbit owners. Prospective breeders should know what differences exist between pet owner and breeder, and be willing to perform the extra work that maintaining a breeding herd entails. A breeders duties go far beyond the rabbit hutch.

So you want to be a breeder?

The first thing to think about when considering breeding is room for cages. You need adequate facilities. Large cages that will accommodate a doe and litter comfortably are a must. Pet bunny owners can get away with a bit smaller cages. Especially if bunny is allowed daily exercise outside his or her cage.

Breeders must keep accurate record. Time must be taken to keep track of all the pertinent information like which doe was bred to which buck and when, test breeding dates, kindling date, litter size, weaning dates and so on. Without proper records, breeding can turn disastrous quickly. Good record keeping is a great help in determining which animals are the best producers. Good breeders keep good records.

Once the litter arrives breeders must be prepared to dispose of babies that were born dead (sometimes the entire litter) or show signs of genetic deformations like double dwarf gene (peanuts) or malocclusion see photo (buck teeth). Many pet owners have a hard time with this one. It isn't pleasant for anyone to have to do this task, but it is necessary for the health of the doe and her remaining litter.

After the babies (kits) are weaned, breeders must make the decision as to who stays and who must go. This process is called culling. Breeders don't have room to keep every baby bunny born into their rabbitry. Pet owners (and their children) have a hard time accepting the fact that the babies they have raised, watched grow, and learned to love must now leave.

Culling does not mean killing. Responsible breeders find good homes for their extra babies. You can't just keep breeding indiscriminately without thinking about what you will do with all those babies. Every bunny needs a home, and it is the responsibility of the breeder to find a good home for each and every baby that isn't kept.

Breeders also have the extra responsibility of educating people who purchase their stock. Breeders need to provide written instructions for the new owners on the proper ways to care for their new bunny. Often breeders are called upon by the pet bunny owner to help with problems or answer questions. Sometimes even years after the original sales date.

Eventually, every breeder will face times when one of his or her rabbits must be put down. This is in my opinion is the most difficult aspect of breeding. Breeders must be sensitive to the needs and feeling of the rabbits. There comes a time when it is in the best interest of the rabbit not to suffer any longer. Most pet owners find that they can't bring themselves to do this task. You could take the ailing bunny to the local vet and have them do it for you, but what about the next time, or when the vet is unavailable? Most breeders will find that they have to handle this situation themselves and eventually settle on a method that is best suited for them.

Breeders must be educated beyond what is required to keep a rabbit as a pet. Understanding the extra demands that breeding will bring is the first step in becoming a successful breeder.

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