Page:Care and Management of Rabbits.djvu/199

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WEANING

In the weaning of the young stock is where most beginners meet their stumbling block. Too many people have the idea, fostered by the dishonest claims of certain breeders who are trying to overemphasize the possibilities of the rabbit, that it is necessary for the doe to nurse the young only four weeks. After that they expect to breed her again and have another litter out of the way in another eight weeks.

Do not be so foolish. There is money to be made in keeping rabbits, but it is not to be made that way. In fact, that is a good way to lose all you have invested. The young rabbit needs the nursing of the mother doe longer than that. It's digestive system is not developed sufficiently at four weeks to enable it to handle the hay and grain which an adult rabbit is eating. One knows