Courtship in bunnies is relatively brief. The female generally secretes an airborne hormone scent, referred to as a pheromone. Once the male detects this scent, courtship behavior may begin.
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Negative sexual behaviors, such as territoriality and aggression, are most intense at the height of adolescence.
Observed behaviors include chinning, circling, honking or oinking, and mounting or humping.
Courtship Dance
What you may see before mateing.
The male and female sniff each other, possibly to make sure of each other's sex and mating receptivity. One bunny then dashes off with the other in hot pursuit. Once they stop playing hard to get, the bunnies stomp their feet and may do a little "dance" by kicking their feet in the air as they run.
Just before breeding, the rabbits begin circling each other and some nipping may occur. This is the point when serious fights can occur if the female isn't too interested in the male. Be prepared to throw a towel over the bunnies to separate them if things look a little too rough.
If all goes well, after the circling and nipping, the male will mount the female. Breeding is completed very quickly. Afterward, the bunnies will likely begin mutual licking and grooming.
Breeding your Rabbits
Both male and female rabbits can be quite territorial, and mating is best accomplished if the doe is placed in the buck’s enclosure or if the pair are introduced into neutral territory, Where neither rabbit has been before.
Upon introduction, the buck follows the doe around, softly humming while sniffing and licking her for approximately 30 seconds. He may also spray the female with urine. The receptive female will hop around in circles or flatten to the floor. A non-receptive doe will run away from the buck, and if cornered she may vocalize or even bite.
Active mating begins when the buck grasps the female by the nape with his teeth, then mounts the female rabbit, thrusting vigorously until ejaculation occurs relatively quickly. Afterward, the male emits a sharp cry or squeak, before falling onto his back or side while the doe either runs away or begins to bite and kick the male. Ovulation occurs 10 to 13 hours after mating.
Although a single mating is often sufficient to stimulate ovulation, breeders often allow mating to occur several times over a 30-minute period before returning the doe to her enclosure.
Reproductive life varies with the breed, however, Bucks are typically bred for 5 to 6 years and Does for approximately 3 years.