Thread: Breeding
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Old 09-17-2008, 10:53 AM
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Default Breeding

Please think twice before you breed your rabbits. If you want to breed your rabbits because of the following reasons, please think again:
  • baby rabbits are cute - baby rabbits grow very quickly. What are you going to do with them when they lose their cute baby looks?
  • it’s a natural thing for rabbits to breed - this is a common misconception. Rabbits can lead perfectly healthy, happy lives without having babies. And what are you going to do with all the babies?
  • you want to sell the baby rabbits - there are already too many baby rabbits in the market, don't contribute to this problem. Rabbits do not cost much, so selling them won’t generate very high income unless you plan to breed your rabbit non-stop, which is very unethical! Please have pity on your rabbit)

Issues to consider if you still want to breed your rabbits:
  • Space – Once the babies reach 3 months, they are sexually mature and must be separated. Each rabbit needs its own cage, as even same-sex rabbits will fight
  • Rabbits multiply very fast – a female can get pregnant as soon as she has given birth, and the gestation period is only 31 days. That means a female rabbit can have 12 litters a year. Assuming you have 6 babies in each litter, in 1 year, you will have 72 babies from ONE pair of rabbits, if you fail to separate them. This again relates to the issue of space. Can you give each rabbit its own space to avoid accidental pregnancies?
  • Time – if you do not devote enough time to each of your rabbits, they will not be bonded to you. Will you have enough time for so many rabbits?
  • Good homes – if you plan to sell/give away the baby rabbits, bear in mind that good homes are not easy to find. Would you want to give your rabbit to someone who is not able to take proper care of it, neglects it and gives it a low quality of life? Someone who uses your rabbit as a breeding machine to make a bit of quick money?
  • Costs – good quality pellets, hay & vegetables are not cheap. And vet bills cost a lot. Will you be able to afford vet treatment for all your rabbits if they fall sick?
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