should i get another rabbit

Question
Hi i have 2 lion heads 1 doe an 1 buck both 6 mouths old i would like 2 breed them but i dont like the idea of keeping them apart. i think this could be a lonely life for them. is it possible to have 2 does in one chage with both pregnant as if i get another doe i would also like to breed her. Will they get on or will they eat each others babies. If this wont work with 2 pregnant does in a chage can you think of any other pairings maybe i should get the buck and they doe a ginnie pig companion each ????
I would be VERY grateful if you could help me.

Answer
Hello,

If you do want to breed, the most important thing you can do is buy high quality, purebred pedigreed stock from a reputable breeder. Pedigrees are essential. I would also try to find stock that has been registered by a licensed ARBA registrar. The reason for that being -- just because a rabbit has a pedigree that does not mean the rabbit it worthy of being bred. It only means it is a purebred animal. Registration means the rabbit has meant certain requirements set forth by the ARBA (http://www.arba.net). All registered rabbits must be physically examined by a registrar before registration can take place.

To find breeders you can try these breeder directories:
http://www.blueribbonrabbitry.com
http://www.rabbitandcavydirectory.com/

Here are the steps I would take:

1. Decide the purpose of raising the rabbits. Will it be for show? As I mentioned, there is not a need for more pet animals. What will do do with the litter? Will you have enough cages for each animal at weaning time? Rabbits can have a litter of 1 or 2 or even a litter of 13 kits. Where will you put all 13 when they reach 6-8 weeks and must be weaned and in their own separate cages? If you do not separate them they can fight and mate.

2. Research what it takes to be a breeder. Join the American Rabbit Breeders Association. With membership comes an amazing guidebook to raising rabbits. I think everyone who breeds should have this guidebook on hand. You will also great a great bi-monthly full color magazine called Domestic Rabbits. Many pet owners and breeders alike are members of this club. Do all of this before even looking into stock...

3. Find some breeds you like. You can find pictures of all recognized breeds on the ARBA website at: http://arba.net/photo.htm

4. Research those breeds. The ARBA photo page provides links to the national specialty club websites for each breed. Research the care needed. Some breeds are more high maintenance than others. Find breeders using one of the above directories and contact them. As them general questions about the breed.

5. Once you decide upon a breed, contact local breeders to see what stock is available. Ask questions. Make sure all rabbits have pedigrees. Ask about registration. Ask the breeders about their show results. Do they show at the state and national level, or just locally? Ask the breeder what the goal is for their rabbitry. If they have a website, take a look at it. Ask them if they are ARBA members. If not, I might consider going elsewhere. Ask if their rabbitry is registered by the ARBA.

6. Try attending a rabbit show. Once again, even if you do not plan on showing it is a great way to see what it is all about. You will be able to speak with many different breeders and see many different breeds of rabbits. You can find a list of local rabbit shows by searching at: http://arba.net/showinfo.htm

Once you have done all of your research and are prepared, you can get started. The prime age depends upon the breed. Smaller breeds become sexually mature much younger that larger breeds. Ask the breeder whom you get your stock from for advice regarding that.

As far as the question about keeping two pregnant does in one cage -- no, you shouldn't. Rabbits all need their own separate cages. Good luck!