Signs of a doe in heat

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ellissian

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Can you tell when a doe is in heat?

Hope is acting a real nut tonight, she is flinging everything all over her cage, she is biting and digging things which she never normally does.

Are these signs? Or is she just being a nutcase. :)
 
You may note changes in a does behavior when she is most receptive. The appearance of the vulva is also a sign of receptiveness: pale/dry = not receptive, purple/swollen = past receptiveness, pink/moist = receptive. Many does will "present" themselves by stretching out and raising their tail when petted.

Pam
 
Ok thanks Pam.

I've only had her nearly 3 weeks so this could just be signs of her character coming out. She is 14 weeks old, when do they normally first go into heat?

I did'nt know they acted a little bit like cats by raising their back end.
 
Does are induced ovulators and do not haveprecise estrous cycles like many mammals. However,they do actually go through periods of receptiveness.

Generally, the doe has a cycle of 16-18 days with 12-14 days of receptiveness and 4 days of non-receptiveness.

Does can become receptive as early as 3 1/2 months of age, and generally are capable of conception at about 4 months of age.



Pam
 
pamnock wrote:
Does are induced ovulators and do not haveprecise estrous cycles like many mammals. However,they do actually go through periods of receptiveness.

Generally, the doe has a cycle of 16-18 days with 12-14 days of receptiveness and 4 days of non-receptiveness.

Does can become receptive as early as 3 1/2 months of age, and generally are capable of conception at about 4 months of age.



Pam

Thanks Pam!

So, basically, almost always fertile...? I mean almost 20 days in almost a whole month. So that would be almost all month all the time, right?
 
ellissian wrote:
Really, that's not good. No wonder doe's have a high cancer risk.

Does do have a high incidence of uterine tumors, which are often seen in older pet animals.

They are a prey animal and not designed for the "man-made" increased life-span. They are designed to procreate at a very high rate in their short life time.

Pam
 
AngelnSnuffy wrote:


Thanks Pam!

So, basically, almost always fertile...?

Yes - although a seasonal winter lull in fertility is often noted. Breeders can attest to the fact that there are many does that go through long periods of non-receptiveness. (When you want them to breed - they won't).

Pam
 
pamnock wrote:
AngelnSnuffy wrote:


Thanks Pam!

So, basically, almost always fertile...?

Yes - although a seasonal winter lull in fertility is often noted. Breeders can attest to the fact that there are many does that go through long periods of non-receptiveness. (When you want them to breed - they won't).

Pam
Thank You for clarifying that!;)
 

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