Tips on Breeding Jersey Woolies

Jersey woolies are long-haired rabbits whose mild disposition and friendly nature make them excellent pets for owners of all ages. Also known as the dwarf angora, these relatively small rabbits breed easily, as long as owners follow a few guidelines. Foremost, responsible breeders should always strive for healthy animals above all else.

  1. Genetics

    • Jersey woolies come in a variety of colors, and breeding to get a certain color or color combination can be a challenge. Each individual rabbit has five genes that control what color the rabbit is. Breeding two rabbits means that there are 10 genes altogether, with other genes having a minor impact on the color and pattern. Genetics is complicated, especially when it comes to Jersey woolies. There are genes for overall coat colors, for markings and patterns, for shades and for eye colors. Some genes control the color saturation, or how brilliant the coloring of the rabbit is. Because some of these genes are dominant and some are recessive, it is possible to breed two rabbits with the desired look and get something entirely different if the pairing results in a match-up of recessive genes. A thorough understanding of the biology and science of genetics will help get the most desirable of colors and patterns when breeding.

    Parent Checklist

    • Before breeding, it is crucial to ensure that both rabbits are in top health. Have both potential parents go through a thorough vet exam to make sure there is no illness and no undesirable traits that may be passed on to offspring. If breeding for pet rabbits, be sure the parents are well-adjusted and have pleasant temperaments. If breeding for show rabbits, become familiar with the breed standard and be sure that most, if not all, of the rabbits' qualities meet this standard. For example, Jersey woolies should have short, furry ears, shoulders and hips of the same width, straight legs and a dense, double-layered coat about 3 inches long.

    Introducing Rabbits

    • Timing is everything when it comes to having a successful breeding. While female rabbits can be bred for the majority of their lives, there are approximately two days out of every two weeks that they will not tolerate a mate. If breeding doesn't happen the first time, wait a few days and try again. When setting up the pair, always put the female in the male's cage. If you introduce the male to the female, he may be more interested in exploring new territory than in the receptive female. The pair chasing each other around the cage is normal, as is some failed attempts at mating. Once the rabbits have mated, remove the female and return her to her cage.

    Care of the Doe

    • Provide the doe with fresh water at all times, and continue feeding as normal. She should gain weight rather than lose any, and it may be necessary to increase her feed, although this varies by rabbit. Provide her with a nest box, which is a mostly enclosed, private place for her to give birth. Most Jersey woolies prefer privacy for the birth and the first days of the babies' lives, so the box is crucial in giving the doe an uneventful birth that is as stress-free as possible. Before giving birth, most does will pull out some of their fur to line the nest with --- this is also completely normal. As long as she is putting the fur in the nest box, she should be allowed to continue. If she attempts to build the nest outside of the box, moving the fur will encourage her to move into the private area.