Choosing the right rabbits is one of the keys to a good breeding program. Although this may be obvious to most breeders to new breeders the next statement may not be quite as obvious: always breed rabbits of the same breed. Mixed bunnies have little value, and they deplete the stock of quality rabbits. A couple of our first few rabbits were very poor in quality and probably not pure bred Holland Lops.

When establishing a breeding program, only look to correct or improve upon one trait at a time. For example, if you have a nice Holland Lop that is a little narrow in the shoulders, and a little weak in the crown, look to fix one of those weaknesses at a time. If you decide to breed for better shoulders, find a rabbit with good shoulders to breed to your existing stock. Once you have offsprings with good shoulders, then move on to the crown.

Make sure you are familiar with color genetics. Not, only can you breed to obtain specific colors, but knowing color genetics can also help you reduce the likelihood of obtaining kits that have faults in color. As an example, in Holland Lops, two brokens can be bred, but a high percentage of the kits will be "charlies" which are a color fault. Once you understand the genetics, select rabbits that will help you obtain the colors and patterns you desire. Having a pedigree of each rabbit will assist you in this process.

Inbreeding of rabbits is an acceptable practice. A father can be bred to a daughter, a mother can be bred to a son, two cousins can be bred together, etc. Breeding a bother to a sister should not done. Although the inbreeding can be done, doesnt necessarily mean that it will work with your pair. Understanding the genetics of inbreeding will assist you in making that decision.

Only use healthy rabbits. Check rabbits for vent disease prior to breeding. Make sure the overall condition of the rabbits is good. Check for loose droppings near the rabbits cages. If you suspect any illness in either rabbit, wait until they are healthy. Aviod using rabbits with genetic defects. Such rabbits will often pass those defects to their offsprings.