Separating Lines Within a Herd

One of the more frustrating things about rabbit raising is trying to find new stock to bring into your herd that is compatible with what you already have. Linebreeding (and inbreeding) is a very important practice in good breeding programs, but occasionally outside stock may need to be brought in for various reasons, and this prospect can be intimidating because you never know exactly what genes are being introduced and what the overall effects will be.

One way to prevent having to bring new animals into your herd too often is to take your own stock and separate it into more than one 'line'. Breeders of other breeds routinely separate their animals into pools according to color variety, and when fresh blood is needed they simply cross rabbits from the two lines they already have and get the necessary 'refreshment'. By using stock that exists in your barn already you do not experience the setbacks that typically occur when new animals are brought in, and the results in the nestbox are typically better since the parents involved are related, even if only distantly.

In my own barn I have had an ongoing plan to separate my herd into several groups consisting of 10-15 individuals each, based on color variety. I intend to focus on Sable/Sable Pearl, Tort, Black, REW, and possibly Fawn, so I will be separating my herd into various groups over the next year and then working within 'lines' to create a diverse breeding pool that should last quite a long time. Of course, 5 varieties is ambitious and friends of mine who raise other, short-furred breeds tell me it is way too much and I will sorely regret it (LOL), but we will see how it goes and I am sure that my plans will change and revise themselves as time goes by.

Even if you do not decide to divide your herd up according to color, it is still a good idea to choose some criteria/means of separation to keep alternate lines of rabbits breeding, showing, and producing at the same time. Everyone has different goals to pursue and it is important to know what those are before launching any breeding program, but maintaining a structured herd is an excellent way of keeping qualities you have worked hard to set for a longer period of time.

More again next time as we live through the end of this heat wave (I hope:)) and keep our bunnies as comfortable as possible. This week the last two litters of the summer here were born to Juno and Morwenna (both sired by Spang's Oberon). Juno gave birth to 6 kits---Pearls and Torts, and Morwenna had a litter of 5 REWs, Torts, and Fawns. This will be the end of the breeding season now until October and everyone will get a well-deserved break. Here is a picture of 4 of the nestboxes lined up in my living room (LOL). Pascha's, Neva's, and Echo's babies went outside to be with their moms permanently today, but Evariste's, Oomi's, Morwenna's, and Juno's litters will remain in the house a bit longer---for at least another 2 weeks:)





Have a great week!