How to Select Quality Breeding Rabbits

1 Overview

How to Select Quality Breeding Rabbits

1. Check the pedigree and observe traits.

Quality breeders have full pedigree records – ear numbers, origin, birth date, growth, and reproduction of 3-5 generations. Confirm the rabbit is true to its breed and typical of it. Also judge age by weight, teeth, and claws to avoid too-old or too-young stock.

2. Check the eyes, nose, mouth, ears, anus, and genitals.

Healthy eyes are bright and moist with little discharge; dull, half-closed, pale or red eyes with much crust mean a sick rabbit – skip it. A healthy nose is clean, no runny nose or sneezing; otherwise sick. Healthy mouth mucosa is normal, no ulcers or sores, teeth meet well, no malocclusion. The anus is clean with no stool residue. The genitals are clean, no swelling, scabs, ulcers, or pus; gently press to tell sex.

3. Check the belly.

A doe should have eight or more teats; fewer means unfit. A buck’s testicles should be even and elastic, no swelling or ulcers; avoid monorchid bucks. Step back and watch – if it will not put weight down or shifts legs, it may have foot fungus or sore hocks – skip it. Also drop it from 30 cm and watch if it lands steady.

4. Do not pick too thin or too fat.

Thin rabbits are malnourished and hard to raise; very fat ones often have breeding trouble and are unfit.

The above are our suggestions on selecting breeders. Watch every part closely; if you find anything abnormal, skip it, to get quality stock.