Can I Breed My Pet Rabbit?

We are often asked by new pet owners, if they can breed the pet rabbit they bought.  We strongly advise pet owners NOT to breed a pet rabbit - there is no good reason why you should, and plenty of reasons why you shouldn't:

• your pet rabbit may have undesirable qualities for that breed; qualities that a breeder already determined should not be passed on to future generations!

• there is already an overabundance of pet quality rabbits on the market...why make more when you can purchase existing bunnies that deserve a great home?

• rabbit breeding and kindling (giving birth) does not always go as planned...are you prepared to rush your pregnant doe to the vet for an emergency spay or cesarean sections to save her life if kindling goes awry?  This can cost upwards of $200 or more if it happens during a weekend or holiday (been there....done that....bought the T-shirt!)

• rabbits can have 8-10+ babies in one litter...what are you going to do with all those pet rabbits?  They grow quickly and by 3 months of age you will most likely need separate housing for most of them.  What will you do if you cannot find homes for them?

• Thinking of making money selling your baby pet rabbits?  Think again!  Believe me, there is no money to be made selling pet bunnies - any smidgen of profit is quickly whisked away by your feed and equipment bills.  Plus, if your time is valuable to you - realize that you will put hours and hours (from the care) into each litter.

There are not enough good reasons to breed your pet rabbit - please do not!