Probably the most frequent question I get from new breeders is what kits should weigh at birth, 8 weeks old and every age inbetween.
At Catalaya's Rabbitry our goal is for every litter to weigh at least 1 pound at birth and for 8-10 kits to be born in each litter. Does not birthing the minimum goals are culled to provide cage space for the does that are producing. We do not tend to worry about weight too much until they reach 8-10 weeks of age. You will find that kits will gain only a few ounces one week then the following week gain 1/2 pound. As long as they are gaining don't be too concerned. We have also seen a smaller kit end up being the larger kit when it reaches the 8 week mark. Any runt born are culled as we find they usually don't survive and only take away from the other kits. Snake owners will pay a good price for these culls so we throw them in the freezer after being dispersed.
At 8-10 weeks of age we want a minimum of weight of 3 pounds. Any that do not meet the minimum weight are grown out and culled when they reach a good butcher weight. Only good quality rabbits are kept for breeding and showing. When you cull hard your stock's quality will only improve. You will find your own goals for your rabbitry as you gain experience just go with what suits you and not what everyone else is doing.
At Catalaya's Rabbitry our goal is for every litter to weigh at least 1 pound at birth and for 8-10 kits to be born in each litter. Does not birthing the minimum goals are culled to provide cage space for the does that are producing. We do not tend to worry about weight too much until they reach 8-10 weeks of age. You will find that kits will gain only a few ounces one week then the following week gain 1/2 pound. As long as they are gaining don't be too concerned. We have also seen a smaller kit end up being the larger kit when it reaches the 8 week mark. Any runt born are culled as we find they usually don't survive and only take away from the other kits. Snake owners will pay a good price for these culls so we throw them in the freezer after being dispersed.
At 8-10 weeks of age we want a minimum of weight of 3 pounds. Any that do not meet the minimum weight are grown out and culled when they reach a good butcher weight. Only good quality rabbits are kept for breeding and showing. When you cull hard your stock's quality will only improve. You will find your own goals for your rabbitry as you gain experience just go with what suits you and not what everyone else is doing.