Rabbit Web Discussion Board

Hi there,

I want to breed my dwarf rabbit with my neighbour\'s New Zealand breed. Is this advisable?

Thank you!

Jess

The question is why???

Is the Netherland the buck or the doe? For practical reasons, I would NOT recommend breeding if the doe was the Netherland. The results could be disastrous.

Why would you want to bring a litter of cross-bred bunnies into the world that you are going to have to find homes for? Would they make good pets? Probably. Will they be easy to find homes for? Probably not.

I personally am opposed to breeding any animal because it might be \"fun\". The shelters are full of unwanted puppies, kittens, and yes...rabbits.

Please rethink the possibilities. Breeding rabbits is a big responsibility.

Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com

I agree with the previous answer, why? You could really cause a lot of damage to the dwarf, especially if she is the doe. Even death! Also who would want half meat rabbits half show type rabbits? Really think this through before you do this. Or find another dwarf for your rabbit if your heart is set on this. Think about your rabbit first tho.

Tony Artist, Artist Rabbitry in Indiana

If you really want the experience of having baby bunnies, check with your local Humane Society or rabbit rescue organization. Sometimes they get pregnant does that need a foster home, and your may be able to foster a litter of bunnies.

.....\"For practical reasons, I would NOT recommend breeding if the doe was the Netherland. The results could be disastrous.\".......

I was wondering if you could explain this?

Just curious....Megan

Breeding a new zealand buck to a dwarf doe could cause the babies to be too large to be born.the doe could die trying to deliver them.bluebird

As \'Bluebird\' said, the size difference could cause disproportionately large kits. At best, they might be delivered, but as stillborns. The other real possibility could be the doe could die trying to deliver them. Netherlands already have more trouble than most breeds because the dwarf head is larger than non-dwarf kits proportionately.

If you really want to breed your doe, go to a local rabbit show. There, you will find breeders who may have Netherland bucks for sale. But still...as much as I LOVE rabbits (I have raised them almost 42 years), I always ask people to really think through whether they really want to get into that game. It\'s a big responsibility.

Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com

If you own the female dwarf, I would strongly advise not a chance. The size difference would most likely kill the doe when kindling.