How to Breed a Himalayan Rabbit

Himalayan rabbits are small, distinctive rabbits who are known for their calm temperaments. They have a fluffy mainly white coat, with colored faces, ears, feet and tails that are usually black, although it is possible to get captive rabbits with chocolate and lilac coloring. Himalayan rabbits tend to like people, enjoy attention and are playful. This makes them a very popular pet. Breeding Himalayans can be difficult, though, due to age requirements.

Things You'll Need

  • Rabbit food
  • Fresh hay
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the age of your rabbits. One of the reasons that Himalayan rabbits are difficult to breed is due to the strict age requirements. Females cannot be bred before six months old, but must be bred before the age of one. After this, the rabbit's pelvis naturally fuses, which makes natural childbirth impossible. Himalayan rabbits can be bred until they reach three years old.

    • 2

      Arrange a health check at the rabbit's vet. Talk to the vet about your intentions, and ask them to check for potential problems. Your vet may be able to give you an approximate age for your rabbit, and check the rabbit's pelvis. They should also check for any underlying problems, and weigh your rabbit. The average Himalayan rabbit weighs two kilograms, or about five pounds.

    • 3

      Feed your rabbit a well-balanced diet. A malnourished rabbit will not breed. Offer your rabbit large amounts of fresh hay, dried rabbit food and clean water. You should also supplement this with fresh fruit and vegetables, which will boost your rabbit's nutrient intake.

    • 4

      Pad the rabbit's hutch to make sure it is warm. An outdoor hutch should be waterproof and have wood shavings covering the floor to keep it warm. An inside cage is easier to keep warm, but there should still be a straw and wood shavings area where your rabbit can warm up and sleep.

    • 5

      Introduce the rabbits in a neutral hutch, if possible, or in the males' hutch. Allow them to sniff each other. Himalayan rabbits are not aggressive, and will not fight. However, one rabbit may become dominant, and prevent the other from eating or drinking. Observe the rabbits to ensure both seem to be behaving normally and are feeding well.

    • 6

      Watch for breeding. It can take a few attempts for this to be successful. The rabbits may chase each other, and the buck may attempt to mount the doe at the wrong side. When breeding is successful, the buck will mount the doe, and then fall to one side. There is usually a grunting noise.

    • 7

      Move the doe back to her own cage once breeding has been successful. Does do not have fertility cycles, and will produce the eggs after breeding has occurred. Separate the rabbits for around 8 to 10 hours to allow this to occur, and allow the rabbits to mate for a final time.

    • 8

      Wait until the 12th day after mating. This gives enough time for kits to develop in the rabbit, which can then be felt. You may be able to feel the kits yourself, by holding the rabbits back towards you, and rubbing your hand down her stomach. If you are not experienced with palpating rabbits, take your rabbit to an experienced breeder or to your vet for confirmation. Do not allow palpitation after the 12th day, as this can damage the kits.