When does become receptive to mating, they will usually show signs of being in heat. They may act restless, rub their chins on feed and water containers or other equipment, and show a desire to join other rabbits. The vulva (external genital organ of the female) of Does that are ready to mate is slightly swollen, moist and a reddish, purplish color. A small, dry, pale (whitish) vulva means that the Doe is not ready to breed. The Doe may also ”present herself,” and lie on her stomach or lift her tail when touched, if she is in heat. Before any mating attempts, examine both the buck and Doe to be sure they are in good condition and free of disease and injury.
Always take a Doe to the buck’s cage for mating. Does are territorial, and another animal being placed in her cage may cause her to become defensive. Also, if a buck is placed in a strange cage, he may spend a long time sniffing around the cage before breeding the Doe.
When a Doe that is ready for mating is placed with an active, experienced buck, mating should occur almost immediately. Of course, mating young inexperienced stock may require more time than mating experienced breeders.
At the completion of the mating act, the buck will usually fall over backwards or on his side.
Some rabbit raisers allow the buck to mate with the doe twice before returning the Doe to her cage. Others prefer to take the Doe back to the same buck for a second mating 8 to 12 hours after the first mating.
Be sure to record the date of all matings so that you prepare for kindling (such as placing a nest box in the Doe’s cage) at the proper time.
Often a Doe will refuse to mate with a buck. When this happens, try her with another buck or return her to the cage and try her again in 2 to 4 days.
Don’t leave a doe unattended in a buck’s cage. An aggressive buck and a nonreceptive Doe left alone together could hurt each other.
In some cases, it may be necessary to restrain a doe for mating. Do this by holding the Doe by the shoulders with one hand. Place your other hand under her body between the hind legs (this raises her hindquarters to the normal height for service) and move her tail up or to one side. Most bucks will readily adapt to such assistance by the rabbit raiser.
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