SIMPLE RULES FOR BREEDING 99 



certain to be weak, especially if the litter is 

 a large one. Maturity depends somewhat 

 upon the way in which the animals are cared 

 for, but does of the smaller and medium size 

 breeds are ready for mating when six or seven 

 months old. It is better to wait two months 

 longer with larger breeds, like the Flemish 

 Giants. 



Of course the time of the year must be taken 

 into account. It is best when possible to start 

 breeding in the spring, as that is the most nat- 

 ural time. Moreover, it is much easier to care 

 for the youngsters after the weather begins to 

 get warm. When rabbits are born in cold 

 weather, extra care must be taken to keep the 

 hutches warm and free from drafts or damp- 

 ness. At the same time, artificial heat, except 

 in the case of lop-eared rabbits, is not desir- 

 able. That being the case, many breeders 

 allow their animals to rest during the winter 

 months, or until February. Breeding early 

 in the year has some distinct advantages, one 

 of which is that the youngsters get well grown 

 before hot weather comes. It has been found 

 that rabbits born before May are usually more 

 vigorous than those which come along later in 



