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Post by Deleted on Nov 15, 2015 20:40:53 GMT
Hello, all.
I wondered if anyone in southwestern Michigan, or an area with a similar climate, could give me an idea of their meat rabbit breeding schedule, please?
I've recently moved here and found the summer to be cooler than I had thought it would be, and, of course, cold weather hasn't really arrived yet, but I've been told that this is atypical. Could you please share your schedule for typical weather in this region?
Thank you in advance for any help that you can offer.
Best,
Kathy
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Post by katievt on Nov 17, 2015 22:00:49 GMT
I'm in Vermont, but we have a similar climate to most of MI I believe. I breed throughout the winter. Most does are fine, especially experienced does, and I lose very few babies. First timers DO get a second chance if they mess up due to the cold.
Last year I had two first-timers have Christmas litters. One had 12, raised 10 and the other 2 were raised by the other doe along with her litter. My rabbits were in two different drafty barns last winter - I'm hoping to have them a little more snug this winter.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2015 2:57:26 GMT
katievt, Thanks so much for responding! How many litters per year do you breed for, please? I grew up in New England. Where I am in Michigan looks very much like New England to me, and I love it! Best, Kathy
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Post by katievt on Nov 18, 2015 18:28:12 GMT
I'm not sure - last August marked a year of raising meat rabbits (I raised Angoras for 12+ yrs). This summer was very rough because of my health. There was no schedule and we certainly lost quite a bit of money in rabbit feed.  I am getting down to 12 adults for the winter. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 19, 2015 2:39:07 GMT
Thank you. I hope that you are feeling better and have great success going forward!
Kathy
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Post by AD in WNC on Nov 20, 2015 0:05:27 GMT
I have had rabbits a few years and am not an expert but I will share what is working for me. I breed at least two does at one time. I leave my does in with my bucks for one week - helps induce ovulation. The kits stay with their mom for 6-8 weeks. Moms get a break 4-6 week break. When the kits are processed, I rebreed. If it gets to 90 degrees, I won't breed for four weeks. Last year I bred in January and only lost 2 kits (first time mother built her nest on wire). It gets down to the teens in January & February here. My schedule allows 4 litters per year. I try to pay more attention to the rabbits' condition than a strict schedule. I have silver fox and champagnes.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 20, 2015 1:26:58 GMT
AD in WNC, Thanks so much! I think 4 litters a year would work well here, too. I just have silver foxes. Love them! I appreciate your help. Best, Kathy
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Post by Callie on Nov 23, 2015 0:00:51 GMT
I don't know anything about raising rabbits but wanted to say, "Welcome to SW Michigan!!" Last summer was the coolest we have experienced in the 7 years we've been here. But the fall was about the warmest! Good luck with your rabbits.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2015 2:33:44 GMT
Callie, Thank you for the nice welcome! Yes, I've been told that the weather has been all mixed up, but isn't it pretty right now? I love a good snow! Best, Kathy
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Post by AD in WNC on Nov 24, 2015 11:36:39 GMT
Just a quick update: We have kits born three days ago and it has fallen to 20* the last three nights. The kits are toasty warm and wiggly. The does made nice warm nests.  |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 25, 2015 0:29:50 GMT
AD in WNC, that's good to hear! They sound like good mamas. Best, Kathy
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Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2015 22:55:22 GMT
We had bunnies for a few years (we are in the middle of the big Mitten). Had no issues with breeding in early March though mid-October. I suppose if we had a building rather than hutches, we could have bred year round.
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Post by AD in WNC on Dec 13, 2015 0:18:47 GMT
@riverdale I do have my rabbits in a barn. The front door is always open...
Just an update on the kits I spoke about: Two litters are out of the nest boxes and have opened their eyes.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 13, 2015 21:48:54 GMT
@riverdale I do have my rabbits in a barn. The front door is always open... Just an update on the kits I spoke about: Two litters are out of the nest boxes and have opened their eyes. We had ours in outdoor hutches, which *may* have contributed to our breeding schedule. Good LUCK! |
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