Selecting Your Stock

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Consider why you want to raise rabbits - will your rabbit be a pet, or do you want to become a professional breeder? Research specific breeds and characteristics to ensure that you pick an appropriate breed.

Disease-free
Buy Pasteurella-free breeding stock. Check your breeding stock supplier's records. Pasteurella bacteria are present in all non-SPF rabbits, and its presence can cause a broad range of health problems and severely limit production. Records should show the stock to have minimal disease problems and the young to be relatively free of birth defects.

Weight
Look for a good litter weight at 21 days (385 grams per bunny). This will show that the doe has a high rate of milk production and indicates the offspring growth potential. Choose bunnies weighing at least four pounds at eight weeks of age.

Records
Purchase does that consistently produce six or more litters per year and raise six to eight young per litter. Ask the breeder for records indicating a sound health history. Make sure the rabbits have a good hair coat and strong, properly set teeth.

Genetic diversity
Ensure genetic diversity in your stock and avoid excessive inbreeding by purchasing breeding stock from more than one source. If you buy from more than one source, however, the rabbits should remain isolated from each other for a minimum of three weeks prior to mixing to prevent the spread of the disease.