How to Breed a Champion Rabbit

Rabbit breeding is an enjoyable past time and a good way to earn a few extra dollars. Breeding a champion rabbit takes skill, knowledge and an understanding of the qualities of a blue ribbon bunny. Rabbit breeding associations work hard to help breeders raise winning rabbits and keep breeds pure and healthy. Understanding blood lines and proper animal husbandry will make your rabbit breeding experience a successful one.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Register your rabbitry with the American Rabbit Breeders Association, Inc. This association will provide you with the most current information and support in the field of rabbit breeding.

2. Decide what type of rabbit you are interested in breeding. If this is a child's project, consider only those breeds that are known to have good personalities and are friendly.

3. Purchase a pair of rabbits from a registered rabbitry. This pair should have strong blood lines that can be documented by the breeder. It's also a good idea to select a pair that has some award winners in their bloodlines.

4. Provide the proper housing for your rabbits. Consult the United States Department of Agriculture for information on the proper care and housing of Rabbits.

5. Supply a good diet for your rabbits consisting of high quality pellets, fresh vegetables and a variety of hays--timothy, grass and oat hay. Decrease alfalfa hay for rabbits over 7 months old.

6. Place the doe in the buck's cage or vice versa when she is ready to mate. If she rejects the buck right away, you'll know she's not quite ready and you'll need to try again. Observe the behavior and try to watch the mating process so you'll be able to mark the calendar and be prepared for the babies.

7. Prepare a nesting box for the pregnant doe and place it in the hutch. You can make your own nesting box or purchase one from a rabbit equipment dealer.

Tips & Warnings

• Rabbits like a clean environment. Keeping your rabbit's house clean will ensure healthier rabbits and healthier babies.
• Do your homework before beginning your own breeding program. Rabbits multiply quickly and breeding can get out of control if you're not very familiar with the process and how to control and care for babies.

[kendrag]

on 5/27/2009 Upon reading my comment, I realize it appears negative. I want to emphasize that having this article available for new breeders is a great help.

[kendrag]

on 5/27/2009 Hi,I've been breeding show rabbits for 21 years. While I'm glad to see an aritcle about rabbit breeding. I feel that you should have touched on selecting the breeding pair. Simply buying rabbits with champion bloodlines will not produce champion rabbits (although it not a bad way to start). Also, it is not recommended by the majority of breeders to place the buck in the Doe's cage. Does are inherently territorial and it can get your buck injured. Thanks for writing this article and for keeping interest in showing rabbits alive.