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What do I do if the doe won't let the buck breed?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

This is unusual, since rabbits are induced ovulators and their whole physiology is geared towards getting pregnant. One explanation could be the female is a pet and therefore is so used to people that she doesn't think she's a rabbit. Therefore she might rebuff the male's attention. Try stepping back and making less of a fuss of her, while keeping the male in a cage where she can smell and see him.

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Question

Do female rabbits mount male rabbits?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Yes, sometimes they do as a form of dominance behavior to show who's in charge, rather than mating.

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Question

Can you breed siblings?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

While siblings can and do breed together, this is extremely unwise. The resulting kits are more likely to have birth defects or undesirable health problems because their parents have so much genetic material in common.

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Question

When should you take the buck out of the hutch after the buck and doe have mated?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

It's best to put the doe in with the buck, rather than the other way round, because she may get territorial. Leave the pair together for about half an hour, and then take her out and return her to her regular accommodation.

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