Stud Services

MBB offers male stud services for breeders who would like to introduce new lines to their program. You may find our available studs under the Our Herd page. 

The phrase, "breeding like rabbits" is not entirely true- in fact, a myth. Rabbits do have a very rapid reproductive rate, as do most prey animals. However, in the wild rapid breeding is normally balanced with predators, road traffic, disease, hunting & trapping. Unfortunately most bunnies pass away before leaving the nest, as they are born blind, deaf, and helpless of. possible predators finding the nest. Rabbits have a very unique reproductive system. Female rabbits do not have heat cycles, instead they ovulate when mating takes place. Female rabbits have two uteruses, allowing them to carry two separate litters at once. Typically when this happens, the doe will abandon her first litter to care for her second litter, even if they are unable to survive on their own. Females can also successfully rebreed right after kindling. This is not usually seen or advised in responsible domesticated rabbit breeding, as its a horrible and inhumane practice. A rabbits gestation period is typically 28-32 days, but can exceed as far as 42 days. The weaning process is typically when the kits are 6-8 weeks. Needless to say, wild rabbits do have a breeding problem, wheres domesticated rabbits depend on responsible breeding practices to keep them in existence. Fun fact: wild rabbits cannot successfully breed with domesticated rabbits as they are technically a different species.

Breeding rabbits is not for the faint of heart. As delicate animals, a lot can go wrong! There are several things to consider before breeding; such as your doe having a stuck kit during labor, or if major complications arise and she needs veterinary assistance for a emergency C-section, the possibility of her passing away during or after labor, the possibility of stillborns or half-eaten newborns, the high possibility of peanuts within true dwarf breeds, the possibility of not producing enough milk to feed all of her kits, the possibility of faders, etc. An additional consideration includes an increase of expenses, for extra feed, litter, space, & other necessary supplies to raise a litter of bunnies. Preparation of finding them all loving homes if not planning to keep a whole litter of bunnies. Cage cleaning is a daily requirement as baby bunnies are extremely messy. Remember, the more kits, the more poop! In the end, it can be a very rewarding experience with successfully raising baby bunnies. 

How it works

You will need to schedule a time to drop off your doe. She will stay with us for 3-7 days depending on successful pairings. We typically have 3 pairings on day 1, and rebreed the following day for 1-2 more pairings for a higher chance of conceiving. 

**MBB cannot guarantee pregnancies & surviving litters, especially for first time does.** If your doe does not kindle within 40 days of impregnation, you may bring her back to rebreed at no additional cost. A "litter" of bunnies consists of 2 or more kits. If your doe only has one baby, you have the option to bring her back to rebreed for no extra cost (at least a month after weaning), as one baby is not considered a litter. 

If your doe does not have a successful litter by the third time, it is to assume that she is not capable of being a successful breeder. It is normal for first time does to lose their first litter of kits, but not necessarily the following litters. Refunds will not be issued due to the incapability of successful litters. 

Requirements

•Dwarf breed does need to be at least 6 months. No later than 1.5 years of age for first time does.

•Large breed does need to be at least 12 months. No later than 2.5 years of age for first time does.

•She must be 100% healthy, veterinary examination documentation is required prior.

Pricing

•Dwarf breed stud, w/o pedigree documentation issued: $125

•Dwarf breed stud, with pedigree documentation issued: $175

•Large breed stud, w/o pedigree documentation issued: $150

•Large breed stud, with pedigree documentation issued: $200

We will send an invoice based on the above stud pricing of choice. Cash is also accepted upon drop off. All payments are non-refundable.

Preparation Prior to Breeding

For the best outcome, give your doe apple cider vinegar at least a week in advance. The ratio is 1 TBSP per gallon of water. Please bring at least a weeks worth of her pellets. MBB will supply a cage, timothy hay, bedding, and water. You are welcome to bring her own cage and supplies for easy transitioning.

Make sure to set up a large cage space to comfortably contain 2-12 extra bunnies. You will also need a rabbit nesting box and lots of nesting material for when she kindles. 

Pickup & Kindling Prep

Once you pickup your doe, keep her in a quiet and comfortable area. You will see a change in behavior throughout her gestation period. Keep her feed quantities the same, as it's important not to overfeed to prevent birthing complications. We recommend putting in a nest box full of hay on day 25-26 of her pregnancy. Does usually kindle on day 28-32. Prepare for nesting behavior and offer plenty of nesting materials. Her body will secrete hormones that cause the fur on her belly and sides to loosen, thus making it easier to line her nest with fur. It is normal if she has bald patches along these areas. It is also normal if she waits until after the kits are born to cover her nest. 

Once babies are born, it is important to check them immediately for any possible DOA babies or concerns. Handling newborns for the first few days should only be done in short periods of time as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature without their littermates. On day 10, eyes will start to open, wheres exploration outside the nest box will come gradually. Babies will start eating solid foods when they are 2-3 weeks and usually weaned at 6-8 weeks. It is important to keep unlimited pellets and hay available at all times for proper growth and development.

Stud Form

Please fill out the form to schedule a stud appointment. We will contact you to confirm your request as soon as possible.