Breeding Supplies for Rabbits

The supplies for breeding rabbits don't vary much from the supplies needed for having a pet rabbit. Differences include a nesting box, separate cages for the does and bucks, and research into what breed of rabbit you wish to breed. Research may be obtained by attending rabbit shows to see the breeds, sizes and colors of the different breeds of rabbits or by asking questions of established rabbit breeders, according to the American Rabbit Breeder Association.

  1. Bucks and Does

    • To make money from breeding rabbits, the American Rabbit Breeder Association recommends beginning with 20 to 30 does and four bucks. The does should be between 6 and 10 weeks old and regularly handled. The bucks may be slightly older. The association also recommends purchasing at least one buck with a proven track record where breeding is concerned.

    Cages

    • Rabbit breeders will need at least two separate cages or pens, depending on the number of rabbits they have. Bucks and does must be kept separate at all times except for the actual mating process. The bottom of the cages should be lined with pine shavings. Always bring the doe to the buck because does tend to become territorial of their surroundings and remove the doe after mating, according to the Raising Rabbits website.

    Nesting Box

    • The gestational period ranges from 28 to 35 days, according to Raising Rabbits. The nesting box is an essential part of the rabbit breeding process. The bottom of the box should hold one to two inches of pine shavings then be filled loosely with straw. The breeder then may thrust his hand into the straw to stimulate a burrow for the doe. The doe may pull out bits of her fur to add to the nest or destroy the box and create her own nest elsewhere in the cage. The nest prevents hypothermia, which is the leading cause of death to the newborn rabbits, also called kits, according to the American Rabbit Breeder Association.

    Kits

    • Kits are born deaf, blind and without fur. Litters range from one to 15 kits. It is possible to determine the gender of the newborn rabbits within two to three weeks of delivery, according to Raising Rabbits. The doe feeds her kits twice a day, which the breeder may often miss. This does not mean the kits are not eating.