Breeding...

Question
My first question is about my doe and buck... I was just wondering if it was a bad thing to breed a sister to brother? Other than that, they did breed at 8 months a few weeks ago and gave birth to dead babies :( It was a very sad day :( So I guess what I am trying to ask is that if you do not breed them again within 12 hours... will the next litter die again? I am very nervous yet happy that I could find good help like you, I would appreciate it if you answered! Thank you!!!

Answer
Hi,

I don't breed here since we are a rescue.  But I do know that you should not breed brother and sister.  You can breed father/daughter or mother/son.  In our rescue, we have seen many of the genetic errors that come from in-breeding including a beautiful silver martin that was a hemaphrodite (genetically female but also had male parts too).  Her back legs were splayed as she had no sockets in her hips, all her vital organs were shifted out of place, her genital area was halfway up her stomach and her spine was twisted and compressed.  She came from a brother/sister mating.  She was an extreme example I must admit.  I do have some very good friends that are the best breeders in the area and they never breed brother/sister couples.  We have some father/daughter and mother/son offspring (not born here) in our rescue and they are normal.

As far as the kits, baby rabbits are about the most delicate neonates and face a tough life from day one.  They are very fragile and need everything to go right in order to survive.  I work hundreds of "pinky" wild rabbits each year (I am a licensed wildlife rehabber).  Most rehabber won't touch cottontails because they are so delicate...same with domestics. If she becomes pregnant again, there are protocols you can follow to do your part in making sure she has a successful delivery.

Having said all of that, the direct answer to your question is that you should not breed brother/sister couples.

Randy