Winter breeding problems?

[Chinclub]

Do you notice a lack of breeding in colder months? We have 3 pairs of rabbits and we can not get any of them to breed! We have been placing them together for about an hour while we are in the yard and can watch for fighting but they seem happy just to eat hay and visit. I have considered leaving them together overnight but I worry about fighting. Any thoughts or tips? I'm not above offering wine and candlelight if I thought it would help!

From what I understand, it's not so much the cold, it's the lack of daylight hours in the winter months. Many have success by leaving lights on in your rabbitry for 16 hours a day.

[wofarm]

Well, I think I was spoutin off about that on an earlier post, how I dont have a problem with it. I am. Darn does, all virgin does @ 5-6 months age, just wont breed. Only ones taking are re-breeds @ 42 days post part. I been running a light too, BUT, its not on a timer and is on 24-7 which may be part of the problem.??

[Ceres Hil]

I am not using a light. I have found that days with higher temps are better to breed on; you have to be persistant and keep trying with some does. I have 4 that are easy and had 5 that took time...
buck was more than willing!

Bred two the otehr day.

[budwpm]

I have not seen light help but breeding when the temps are over 40 and closer to 45 has made a difference. Even is the nights are coldtry breed mid day with the temp being above 40.

[o&itw]

I have had my best luck breeding about 10am in the morning on sunny days. If a doe refuses to breed the first time, I usually wait about a week and she will breed on the second.

Well, my rabbits only have natural light, as they are outside. Last month, I attempted to breed 4 does. Only one would breed. A couple weeks later, I realized that the only one who bred (and was VERY EAGER to breed) was next to a buck. So I placed two does next to bucks for 2 weeks. This morning one was a little reluctant to breed, but did. The other was VERY EAGER to breed. Whether or not I would have had the same outcome if I would have just waited and not placed them next to bucks, I don't know. All I know is that it worked and I intend to do this same method before the next group of does is bred.

[Pat Lamar]

There are commercial rabbitries which do not use artificial lighting at all, and depend upon their rabbits for a livelihood, so they MUST continue to breed even during the winter months. How do they do it? Temperatures play a more important role when it comes to breeding during the "Winter Breeding Slump." Watch the temps closely... even a slight increase will literally turn the does on. You can also build your entire herd to breed consistently year-round by culling out the stubborn ones. It takes time, but it will work.

Pat Lamar

[Ceres Hil]

Pat,
You were the person who first mentioned this to me last autumn---I have found it to be true.

Thank you!

[Pat Lamar]

Originally Posted by Ceres Hil

Pat,
You were the person who first mentioned this to me last autumn---I have found it to be true.

Thank you!

Thank you for your support!

Pat Lamar

[lonelyfarmgirl]

In the winter I dont even bother to try unless it is bright and sunny, and yes, mid-morning seems to be the most successful time. I however, am impatient. If the doe doesn't cooperate, I hold her down. She concieves most of the time.