Litter Weight Tracking
Monitor kit growth rates to identify best performers, track health issues early, and make informed selection decisions. Regular weight tracking is one of the most valuable data points in rabbit breeding.
Why Track Litter Weights?
Identify fast growers
Catch problems early
Choose best stock
Compare litters
Recommended Weighing Schedule
Follow this schedule for optimal data collection without excessive handling:
Birth
Optional
Week 1
Recommended
Week 2
Recommended
Week 3
Critical
Week 4
Weaning
Week 5
Post-wean
Week 6
Growth check
Week 8
Selection
Weight Recording Methods
Litter Average
Weigh entire litter together
Best for: Large litters, weekly tracking
Individual Weights
Track each kit separately
Best for: Small litters, breeding stock
Hybrid Method
Average early, individual later
Best for: Balanced approach
Recording Weights in BunnySync
Batch Weight Entry - Week 3
Luna's Litter (10 kits alive)
Understanding Growth Patterns
Growth curve visualization showing typical kit weight progression from birth to 8 weeks, with performance zones marked
Expected Growth Rates
- Birth: 50-70g (breed dependent)
- 1 Week: Double birth weight
- 2 Weeks: 200-300g
- 3 Weeks: 350-500g
- 4 Weeks: 500-700g
- 8 Weeks: 1800-2500g (5 weeks gain)
Growth Performance Indicators
Key Performance Metrics
| Metric | Calculation | What It Shows | Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21-Day Weight | Individual kit weight at 3 weeks | Milk production quality | 400g+ |
| Daily Gain | (Current - Previous) / Days | Growth efficiency | 35-45g/day |
| Uniformity | Weight variation within litter | Management quality | <20% variation |
| 8-Week Weight | Final weight at processing | Overall performance | 5+ lbs |
Weighing Best Practices
🎯 Consistent Timing
Always weigh at the same time of day. Morning before feeding gives most consistent results.
🎯 Proper Equipment
Use a digital scale with 1g precision. Tare a container for safe kit handling.
🎯 Minimize Stress
Work quickly and quietly. Return kits to nest immediately after weighing.
🎯 Record Immediately
Enter weights directly into BunnySync or write clearly if recording on paper first.
Weighing Equipment & Setup
Essential Equipment
- 📊 Digital scale (0.1oz or 1g precision)
- 📦 Weighing container/basket
- 📝 Recording sheet or device
- 🧤 Gloves (optional)
- 🏷️ Temporary marking supplies
Weighing Process
- Set up scale on stable surface
- Tare container on scale
- Remove entire litter from nest
- Weigh quickly, one by one
- Return immediately to nest
- Record weights in BunnySync
Interpreting Weight Data
📈 What Your Data Tells You
- Steady gains: Healthy litter with good milk supply
- Plateauing: May indicate milk shortage or health issues
- Weight loss: Immediate intervention needed
- Wide variation: Some kits may need fostering
- Rapid gains: Excellent genetics and mothering
Using Weights for Selection
Selection Guidelines by Week 8
Breeding Stock Candidates
- ✅ Top 25% for growth rate
- ✅ Consistent weekly gains
- ✅ Good body condition
- ✅ From high-performing litters
Market/Processing
- 📦 Met target weight (5 lbs)
- 📦 Good meat-to-bone ratio
- 📦 Uniform size for consistency
- 📦 No breeding quality traits
Troubleshooting Weight Issues
- Check doe's feed intake and increase if needed
- Verify water availability (dehydration reduces milk)
- Supplement doe's diet with high-protein feeds
- Check for mastitis or other health issues
- Consider fostering some kits if litter is large
- Rule out environmental stressors
- Identify and mark smaller kits
- Consider separate feeding times for runts
- Foster smallest kits to smaller litter
- Check for enough functioning nipples
- Ensure nest box allows equal access
- Monitor for bullying by larger kits
- Kits are below 300g at 2 weeks
- No weight gain for 3+ days
- Doe has more than 10 kits
- Visible ribs or sunken bellies
- Doe shows poor milk production
Master Weight Tracking! 📊
You now understand how to effectively track and analyze litter weights. This data will help you make better breeding decisions and improve your rabbitry's performance.
Next, learn about recording and analyzing kit mortality.
Continue to Mortality Recording →