Buying Breeding Pair?

Hey all,

I'm a ways away from breeding but I'm curious what the etiquette is. When you buy your buck and doe, is it good form to tell the breeder you want to breed? Or does it not matter?

In some animals the usual practice is to have seperate fees for pet animals and animals that will be used in a breeding program. Is this the case for rabbits?

I generally don’t feel the need to disclose any future breeding plans unless there is a set price difference between pet and show buns. Though I’m not sure how common it is 1 of the three breeding buns I own came at a heftier price than he would have, had he just been a pet. ($85 for pet, $125 for show/brood) Granted, I really am trying to bring in new colors and he is turning out to be very beneficial.

I’m not sure there is any general etiquette, at least not in my area. Though, any time I’ve picked a rabbit up from a breeder, they’ll ask about my plans to breed. They can be particularly helpful as well, so if your plans are to breed, and if your plans to breed revolve around colors/quality you’re striving for, I’d definitely suggest bringing it up. Most breeders are very supportive and will give you a lot of good info that could help along the way.

It would be best to let the breeder know that you plan to breed. Some breeders do charge more for breeding stock, but I don’t think you want pet stock in a breeding program. Breed stock will come with a pedigree also. It’s important to know the bloodlines of any breeding stock you ‘re using.

Definitely tell the breeder you want to breed. They can help you choose out rabbits that are good for breeding. Usually when a rabbit is sold for pet only it is because it has some problems that make it un-ideal for breeding, eg a non-standard color, structural issues, poor mothering skills, etc.

I agree with telling the breeder. You don't want to end up with a brother and sisters!
Edit: Having sisters is fine but you want a non-related or distantly related buck.