[Nancy]

How old should a male be before breeding? Males should be about 4 months old. But males and females alike, are capable of breeding at 7 weeks, but it is not healthy for them.

really? i thought males should be at least 5mo old.. thanks!

At 4 months, some males haven't quite reached fertility yet so may not be able to impregnate the girl. Usually it's not a problem but can happen on occasion.

 

[Nancy]

As I've already mentioned, he might not be fully fertile enough to impregnate the girl at 4 months.

 

[Nancy]

It's the female that it can not only affect their growth but be risky for them if bred before 6 months. The males just might not be up to the task yet.

 

[Nancy]

I've always been told and have always followed, to breed again 6 months from the date of birth of the previous litter.

 

[Nancy]

When to handle the babies totally depends on the mom. Usually by 2 weeks it is fine to start. Four weeks is too long unless mom has issues with it.

Of course, sometimes we have to look and check things out earlier than 2 weeks and it totally depends on mom how well she will tolerate it.

 

[Nancy]

Most girls retire on their own by age 3 if not sooner.

 

[Nancy]

Yeah, can't or don't want to. :lol: