First Breeding Time

jjgrappler · #1 01/14/11, 08:01 PM

I just wanted some feedback on what you guys think. I have 4 does that I am loking to breed for the first time tomorrow. I have 2 does that are around 8 months old that weigh 6 and 8 pounds respectively. I also have a 6 month old American doe that currently weighs 8 pounds also. I have a mixed lionhead looking doe that weighs 6 pound as well she looks to be between 1-2 years old. I was wondering if you think the two 8 month old does would be ok to breed as it would be their first time breeding. The only thing that has me worried is the fact that the one doe is only 6 pounds. I believe I want to wait another month for the American doe but she is pretty big what say you guys?

KSALguy · #2 01/14/11, 08:08 PM

what breed are the first two? if the lionhead mix is that old breed her asap, they all sound like a good size to breed, check their under parts and if they are dark pink or purple they are ready to breed, 6-8lbs is a good starting size to get them produceing

jjgrappler · #3 01/14/11, 09:37 PM

The 8 pound doe looks like a NZW and the 6 pound doe looks like a californian only with lighter markings.

SilverFlame819 · #4 01/14/11, 11:52 PM

If you're not sure what they're mixed with but you are sure of their ages, I'd breed them. 8 months is perfect for a large breed, and who knows what the smaller doe has in her genetics! I'd go for breeding them all at once. Since you will have first-timers, it will be handy to have multiple births on the same day, so if you have any issues, you can foster kits out to other does...

jjgrappler · #5 01/14/11, 11:59 PM

I was thinking of doing all 4 but didn't know if that was a good idea or not. Also, would you keep them outside or bring them in before they kindle?

KSALguy · #6 01/15/11, 12:07 AM

give them a good wooden box with lots and LOTS of hay and keep them out of direct wind and drafts and they will be fine outside,

jjgrappler · #7 01/16/11, 10:51 AM

I bred them about an hour ago. Two out of the four lifted. I know the two took. I am gonna try in a few hours again. If the other two don't lift would you still recommend puting the nestbox in the cage come 28 days?

**mygoat** · #8 01/16/11, 11:51 AM

If they didn't lift, I wouldn't think they are bred. I would try putting the two who didn't breed in with the buck tomorrow and the next day - until they lift. If they don't, I hold mine in the ready position for the bucks. I've had several nice 'forced' litters.

jjgrappler · #9 01/16/11, 01:12 PM

Lifted the lionhead loking doe it looks like she might have taken. My American wants nothing to do with the buck though I may just wait another month or two

jjgrappler · #10 01/16/11, 03:31 PM

3 out of my 4 does lifted and took I believe. So in 28 days I'm going to drop in nextboxes. Do you think they will be ok outside in February in PA? Also is it normally for the does to growl and carry on as they are running around in the cages?