A doe ready for mating should be at least four to five months old. The sexual maturity of rabbits depends on the breed, with some maturing at an early stage of four months while others mature late at about nine months. Mating should occur in the male rabbit’s cage. The doe should be brought into the male cage to avoid fighting. Mating in rabbits is shorter and briefer. So how many times do rabbits mate a day?
Rabbits mate up to five times a day. Captive rabbits are believed to mate more often as compared to wild rabbits. It is, therefore, up to the farmer to find the best time for mating rabbits. Factors such as the feeding program and rabbit species will also determine how many successful mating occur daily.
Starvation in rabbits will slow down the breeding frequency, so the farmer should ensure that the rabbit is well-fed and obtains all the right nutrients that will encourage successful mating.
Factors Determining Successful Mating in Rabbits
1. The Age of the Rabbits
Rabbits become sexually mature just a few months after birth. The female rabbits (does) reach maturity much faster than their male (bucks) counterparts. Mature bucks should be selected for mating and can be used to service several does.
2. Too High Temperature
Rabbits suffer from heat stress. High temperatures can cause temporary sterility in male rabbits. The bucks should therefore be placed in a cool area during hot weather.
3. Sexual Receptivity at Mating
Receptive mating is accompanied by signs such as being restless, rubbing the chin on equipment, and a desire for companionship.
The female vulva will be slightly swollen, moist, and reddish. On the other hand, a small dry vulva indicates that the doe is not ready for mating
4. Condition of the Rabbit
It is advisable to always check the condition of your rabbits before mating them. Mating rabbits in poor condition or females nursing young ones is not recommended. Before mating, examine the doe and the buck for any physical injuries or diseases.
The rabbits selected for breeding should be healthy for successful mating
5. Feeding Program
Whatever you feed your rabbits will have an impact on their breeding performance. A buck ready for mating should be fed about 170 grams a day. A buck should not be given too much fattening feed as this can cause obesity, thus negatively affecting their breeding performance.
On the other hand, the female should be given a well-balanced diet. The feed should contain energy, protein, vitamins, and amino acids.
How Do Rabbits Act When They’re Mating?
Active mating in rabbits is accompanied by several actions from male and female rabbits. For instance, the buck grasps the female’s neck with his teeth, mounts it, and starts thrusting. On some occasions, the rabbits may fight as part of their bonding process when they are mating.
Do rabbits make noise when mating?
Yes, rabbits make noise when mating. Both male and female rabbits will make different noises to show excitement about the whole thing. The rabbits make honking, grunting, or clicking sounds, indicating that mating has begun.
What are Rabbits Mating Rituals?
Mating ritual starts when the male and female rabbits sniff each other to be sure of the opposite sex. They then start chasing each other and doing a little dance. The rabbits then begin circling each other and nipping.
Finally, the male will mount the female, and the breeding will be complete.
Rabbit mating rituals are accompanied by soft oinks made by the female rabbit.
Rabbits Behavior During mating
Rabbits display many physical behaviors during mating. Let us find out some of the behaviors of rabbits during mating. For instance, do rabbits chase each other to mate? Why do rabbits thump when mating? Why do rabbits thump after mating?
Yes, rabbits chase each other to mate. Sometimes female rabbits play hard to get, so the male will chase after them as a courtship ritual. However, sometimes rabbits chase each other for fun when they are playing.
Therefore, rabbits of opposite sexes chasing each other is a mating ritual once they have reached maturity.
Thumping is also one of the rabbit’s mating rituals. It is a common display during mating sessions. The male rabbit will repeatedly thump its back feet on the ground to attract the females.
Rabbits thumping when mating can be a warning signal. The female may thump her legs backward to signal the male to stop their annoying actions.
Rabbits thumping after mating could be a sign of many things. Rabbits thump to warn others of the surrounding danger. In addition, rabbits thump to show that they are scared or bored.
What Happens to Rabbits After Mating?
After mating, the rabbits may start licking each other and grooming to show affection.
Furthermore, the male rabbit will fall backward or on its side. This is an indication of exhaustion after mating.
Allow the rabbits to rest between mating to allow for successful mating later.
The doe should be returned to her cage after mating. She may be brought back for a second mating after eight hours. However, you can sometimes allow at most two successive mating before separating the two rabbits.
Will a Male Rabbit Mate With Its Mother?
Yes, it is possible for a male rabbit to mate with its mother. Not only will the male rabbit impregnate its mother, but also its female offspring.
Line breeding and inbreeding in rabbits should be discouraged as they can result in offspring with health problems and deformities
Inbreeding is where you breed a brother to a sister, while line breeding is between mother and son or father and daughter.
How Do You Know If Your Rabbit Is Pregnant After Mating?
You can tell if your rabbit is pregnant after mating with the help of a veterinarian. A veterinarian can feel the fetuses in a pregnant doe’s abdomen about 10–15 days after successful mating.
Rabbits have a short pregnancy, which lasts between 31 and 33 days. When there is still no labor after 34 days, you can contact your veterinarian, who will then induce labor.
Note that false pregnancies in rabbits are very common; therefore, it is always good to get the help of an expert just to be sure.