| Selection of Breeding stock |
| When breeding Dutch rabbits it is important to remember that while markings are very important, breed type also counts for half of your points. A well marked doe may not breed true and kindle well marked kits. A poorly marked doe may give you grand champions when paired with the right buck. The same is true for bucks. The best advice I have ever heard in regards to breeding Dutch was this: Always select your breeder stock for type, not for markings, but for type - A top Dutch breeder in MA Any stock you choose to bring into your line, or to start with, should be as close to the ideal type as you can afford to obtain. If you find two animals with great type then consider the markings. Now, I don't mean to imply you should never worry about the markings on your stock. Only that rabbits with bad type but perfect markings should be avoided. It is still important to try for the best marked rabbits you can achieve. Sometimes you may find a rabbit who is good overall but has one or two flaws. For instance, you may find the perfect doe, but her fur is too long, a roll back coat. This should not automatically stop you from selecting her. The thing to do in a situation such as that is to assess the strengths of your bucks. If you have a buck who always produces good coated kits then you could breed him with the doe and likely get kits that turn out very well coated. Another thing to consider is the background of the animals you are considering. Do they have proven lines. Animals from grand champion lines are more likely to produce good kits. Even rabbits with modest lines may do well as breeders. If you can, find out what the parents and grand parents of the animal looked like. Certain traits breed stronger through certain lines. Finally, to find out which breeders you should buy from in your area, talk to all the breeders you can, either at shows, on the web, or over the phone. Ask them which breeders they would buy stock from. Some will only recommend you buy from them, but most will be very helpful in pointing out the top breeders. Good Luck and Happy hunting for the perfect breeding stock for you! |
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