QuestionI have a six month old Holland lop that weighs about 3.5 pounds. I was wondering if she is old enough to breed now or if I should wait until she is older or bigger? The buck I was planing on breeding her to is a 4.5-5lb Holland lop. Is that going to cause problems for her?
AnswerHi Allesha
Smaller breeds such as Holland lops can be bred at 6 months. Just keep in mind that she may not be a good mother the first time around. Sadly many rabbits are horrible mothers the first few times and the litters tend to be lost.
As long as the buck is a purebred Holland lop it shouldn't be a problem. I breed 5 1/2 pound mini rex's to 3 pound mini rex's and have never had a problem. It is the genes that matter. Just make sure that you always breed purebred and preferably pedigreed rabbits because there is a better market for them.
If you aren't already a member of the American Rabbit Breeder's association and you are serious about breeding and showing rabbits, then I strongly suggest you join. With the initial membership fee you receive an incredible guidebook called 'raising better rabbits and cavies'. It has a lot of useful information. You also get quarterly magazines that have useful information in them as well.
Good luck and if you need anymore help please let me know.
Pam