16 PET RABBITS, CAVIES, AND MICE. 



applicable to breeding, whether it be systematic or aim- 

 less. Health in both parents is greatly to be sought 

 after, indeed should never be overlooked. Rabbits, 

 when bred from, should never be less than 7 or a 

 months old, always free from ailment, and in good coat. 

 Never breed from unhealthy or moulty specimens; and 

 always see that the rabbits are in good flesh, particu- 

 larly the doe. Not too fat, but it takes a great deal out 

 of a doe to rear a litter of young, and if she is in good 

 health and condition so much the better for her family. 

 In the matter of age for mating, some choose a young 

 sire and an older doe, others the reverse, but great suc- 

 cess has been achieved by breeders from mating young 

 stock together. We have had excellent results from the 

 mating of father and daughter, and even brother and 

 sister. But on this point it is imperative that both 

 should be as near perfect in points as possible, or you 

 will perpetuate faults. If you are going to breed to a 

 system you will have to keep a siud book, and register 

 all your stock. These are general remarks on breeding. 

 For all the short-coated varieties, such as Belgians, 

 Dutch, Himalayans, Silvers, etc., we think the winter 

 is the best time to breed. Cold favours shortness of 

 coat. Heat induces length both of coat and ears. From 

 the time .of mating till the birth of the young 30 days 

 usually elapse. Keep the does in hutches they have 

 been used to, as shifting is likely to produce restlessness 

 and disaster. Give a liberal but not an extravagant 

 diet, and let them have plenty of hay bedding and cheer- 

 ful conditions. Don't pry about on the eve of expecta- 

 tion of a litter. Milk is a good thing for does, and 

 many breeders give does bread soaked in boiling milk 

 a day or two before the litter is due. Does should never 

 be without drink at this time, as they are very thirsty. 

 It often prevents the doe destroying her young if she 

 has a supply of drink at hand when giving birth to the 

 litter. A plan of using foster does is adopted by large 

 fanciers in the case of valuable varieties and does prone 

 to give birth to large litters. Common does are procured 

 due to kindle at the same time, and their young are des- 

 troyed, and those of the fancy varieties substituted. 

 This plan often acts well. Sometimes it is a failure, for 

 the does will not take the little strangers. Give plenty 

 of green meat to a doe while rearing her family, and io 



