To Breed Californian Rabbits, you have to look for a male and female those are the healthiest and can represent their breed well in size, color as well as temperament. After that, Note their ages. Then, Check the doe’s vent area that should be dark pink or dark red to ensure your doe is ready to be bred. Next, Place the doe in the male’s cage. Forth, Observe the mating for it’s not unusual for younger rabbits to be confused about mating.
If this happens, you need to simply assist them by positioning their bodies correctly. After that, watch for the doe to let the male know she is ready with lifting her rear end. If she doesn’t want to breed, you must help her by raising her rear lightly. You should use gloves to prevent occasional bites. Then, Re-breed the same couple half a day later to make sure successful fertilization has occurred.
Next, take the doe back to her cage once the mating occurs. Forth, check the doe for pregnancy 12 days after mating. After that, Place the doe on a hard surface. You can hold her near the base of the ears with your hand. You have to Place the other hand, palm up, near the cervical area.
You need to push up with your right thumb and index finger. Then, Rub the doe slowly from back to front. If there is a successful pregnancy, you can feel grape-sized kits. Next, prepare the nesting box 29 days after the mating. Forth, fill the nest box with straw, hay and/or woodchips to make sure the kits stay warm.
After that, Supply the doe with plenty of hay to eat so that she and her kits don’t consume their bedding. Then, Stay near the doe when she is birthing in case assistance is needed. If that happens, you have to re-breed the doe five days after the failed delivery. You need to keep an eye on the kits. Next, Place all kits that fall out of the nesting box back in to ensure their survival.
If the mother does not eat the placenta off all her kits, you must help with the removal yourself. You should place the kit back with the mother. Forth, check the nest box thoroughly for dead kits. Last, you can watch out for cannibalization of the newborn kits or over-grooming.