reluctant buck

Question
Hello, I wrote you yesterday. I hope this new info will help. I have this pair of dwarf hotots that i am trying to breed, and although the doe is very willing, the buck has no interest. I've tried everything. He starts off interested but the doe won't give him time before she "show him want she wants" and as she as she gets off him he runs into the corner of his cage and act completely interested.  The buck is 1 1/2 years old but this is his first breeding. I useually keep them together for about 5min, I've tried long but the doe will get furstered and stomp her foot and try to bite him (while shes on top of him) and i don't want her to hurt him. The rabbits are in my Garage, and it stays around 50 degrees or warmer. I really don't want to give up on this pair, because their two of my best rabbits. Do you have any tips? Thanks.


Answer
Hello,

The additional information did help, thank you. My biggest suggestion would be to give them more time and to not interfere. I know before you mentioned that you hold the doe down and place the buck on top of her. Generally, that is a "mood killer" for rabbits.

I would place the doe in the bucks cage and let them be. They will possibly bite, scratch and fight some. This is part of the mating process. As long as blood is not being drawn and the situation seems fairly in control I would leave them alone. As a breeder over time you will get a feel for when they are in danger and when they are not.

In twelve years of breeding rabbits I have only experienced one actual fight, so you should be okay. I would, however, not leave them alone and would stick by and watch them just in case. Just stand back and give them some space.

There are a few tricks you might want to try before trying to mate them again.

First, try placing the doe into the cage next to the buck for a few days before introducing them. This gives the buck the chance to smell the doe and become interested. You might even try giving the buck her feed/water bowls as they will smell like her.

I would do that, give them a few days and try again using my recommendation. Good luck and let me know if that helps!