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An independent magazine about rabbit breeds, breeding and everyday care

The Rabbitry Journal

Better Rabbit Care Starts With Better Knowledge

Clear, welfare-first guides to rabbit breeds, responsible breeding, housing, feeding and health — plus free planners and honest equipment buying guides for pet keepers and small rabbitries.

Explore Rabbit Breeds Start the Breeding Guide
  • Breed facts checked against ARBA
  • Welfare-first advice
  • Affiliate links always labelled
Five domestic rabbits of different colours grazing together on a lawn

Start here

Photo: Aswathy N / Unsplash
Browse by topic

Find the answer you came for

Every guide is organised into clear topics, from choosing a breed to preparing for a litter.

Breed explorer

Meet six popular rabbit breeds

Size, coat and grooming at a glance — a starting point for choosing rabbits that suit your home.

Open the breed directory

Weights are the maximum show weights listed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association. Individual rabbits vary, and temperament depends on the individual rabbit and how it was raised — not just its breed.

The breeding guide

Responsible breeding, one step at a time

Breeding is a commitment to every kit you produce. These steps follow a typical litter, with the doe’s welfare at the centre — and links to the guides that go deeper.

All breeding guides Open the timeline planner

Timings are typical ranges, not guarantees. Contact a rabbit-savvy vet if a doe seems unwell, stops eating or goes well past her expected date.

  1. Before

    Decide responsibly

    Plan homes for every kit, budget for vet care and make sure both rabbits are healthy and mature.

    Browse breeding guides
  2. Before

    Prepare the rabbitry

    Quiet, draught-free housing with space for a nest box and a calm routine.

    Read the guide
  3. Day 0

    Record the mating date

    Everything else is counted from here. Our timeline planner works out the key dates.

    Breeding Timeline Planner
  4. Day 27–29

    Add the nest box

    Clean, dry bedding the doe can arrange, placed a few days before kindling is expected.

    Read the guide
  5. Day 31–33

    Kindling

    Most does kindle quietly, often at night. Check the nest calmly and count kits.

    Read the guide
  6. Weeks 1–8

    Care for kits and the doe

    Watch feeding, warmth and the doe’s appetite. Know the signs that mean calling a vet.

    Warning signs
Free planners

Tools that do the counting for you

Calculators, timelines and checklists that save to your own device — no sign-up needed.

See all tools
Recommended equipment

Equipment buying guides

What to look for, what to avoid, and how to match equipment to your rabbits. Each guide links to options on Amazon — clearly labelled.

All buying guides

Our buying guides are research-based: we compare published specifications and welfare criteria rather than claiming hands-on testing. Amazon links are affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fresh from the journal

Latest guides

Browse every guide
FAQ

Quick answers to common rabbit questions

Short answers to the questions new keepers and breeders ask most.

Educational guidance only. For health, diagnosis or treatment, please consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.

How long is a rabbit pregnant?

Rabbit gestation is usually around 31 to 33 days. Individual does vary, so treat it as a planning window rather than a guarantee, and contact a rabbit-savvy vet if a doe seems unwell or goes well past her expected date.

When should I add the nest box?

Many breeders add the nest box around day 27 to 29 after mating — a few days before kindling is expected — with clean, dry bedding the doe can arrange. Our Breeding Timeline Planner estimates these dates for you. This is general husbandry guidance, not veterinary advice.

Which rabbit breeds are best for beginners?

Calm, medium-sized breeds with easy-care short coats are often recommended for first-time keepers. Temperament depends heavily on the individual rabbit and how it was raised, so meet the rabbit first. See our breed directory and beginner breed guide for details.

Colony or cage system — which is better?

Both can work. Colonies give more space and social contact but need more predator planning, observation and disease management. Individual housing makes records and health checks easier but needs extra exercise time and enrichment. Our Colony vs Cage Planner walks through the trade-offs.

Is this site veterinary advice?

No. Breed Rabbits is an educational resource. For diagnosis, treatment or any health concern, please consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.

Our standards

How we work

Breed Rabbits is an independent educational site. Here is exactly how our guides and recommendations are put together.

Research-based guides

Our buying guides compare published specifications and welfare criteria. We say so when something has not been tested hands-on.

How we research

Welfare comes first

Space, ventilation, safe flooring, enrichment and responsible breeding come before convenience or commission.

Editorial standards

Transparent affiliate links

Amazon links are labelled, look different from our own links and never decide what we recommend.

Affiliate disclosure

Not veterinary advice

We share general husbandry information. For diagnosis or treatment, please see a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.

Health disclaimer

Spotted an error or have a question about a guide? Email [email protected] — corrections are always welcome.

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