Breeding/nutrition

Question
Can you give me an idea of how much I should be feeding adult new zealand rabbits?  They are all 9-11 lbs.  If you can give me an idea on an amount to start with I can adjust it accordingly to each rabbit, I'd also like to know at what age a meat type breed (new zealand) doe is ready to breed?

Answer
Hi Jessica

Breeding rabbits should be fed 1 ounce per pound.  With the size of your rabbits you should be giving about 3/4 cup per day.  If they are nursing you want to give them unlimited food.  Also make sure that all of them have plenty of hay to munch on at all times.

Large rabbits should not be bred until they are about 8 - 9 months old.  

When you do get babies and you need information on fryers and how much to feed them please let me know.  I will happily pass on some useful information on how to get the best results in the least amount of time.  As for the brood stock just make sure that they do not gain excessive weight or they will have difficulties getting pregnant as well as in delivery.

Good luck and I hope that you are able to accomplish your goals.

Pam