Adding Your First Breeder

Learn how to add your first rabbit to BunnySync with this comprehensive guide. We'll cover every field, best practices for data entry, and tips for organizing your rabbitry from the start.

Before You Add Your First Breeder

A little preparation goes a long way. Gather this information before you start:

Basic Information
  • Rabbit's name
  • Sex (buck or doe)
  • Date of birth (or approximate age)
  • Breed and color/variety
  • Current weight
Identification
  • Ear tattoo (if applicable)
  • Registration number
  • Microchip number
  • Your internal ID system
  • Cage location
Pedigree Information
  • Sire (father) name
  • Dam (mother) name
  • Breeder's name
  • Previous owner (if purchased)
Optional Materials
  • Photos of the rabbit
  • Pedigree document
  • Health records
  • Show records

Accessing the Add Breeder Form

There are multiple ways to add a new breeder:

From Dashboard

Click the "Add Breeder" quick action tile

From Menu

Navigate to Breeders → Add New

Quick Action

Use the + button in the top navigation

Keyboard Shortcut: Press Ctrl + N (or Cmd + N on Mac) from anywhere in BunnySync to quickly open the Add Breeder form.

Understanding Required Fields

Let's start with the essential information. Fields marked with a red asterisk (*) are required.

Basic Information Section

This is how you'll identify this rabbit throughout BunnySync

Field-by-Field Guide

Name *

The rabbit's name is the primary identifier in BunnySync. Choose wisely!

Naming Conventions
Good: "Blue Moon", "SA Bella", "2024-001"
Clear, unique, follows a system
Avoid: "Bunny", "Brown One", "???"
Too generic, confusing, or unclear
Best Practice: Include your rabbitry prefix in show rabbits' names (e.g., "SA Blue Moon" for Sunny Acres rabbitry).

Sex *

Select Buck (male) or Doe (female). This determines:

  • Available breeding options
  • Report categorization
  • Task templates
  • Performance metrics

Breed

Select from the dropdown or add a custom breed. Be consistent with breed names!

Examples: Holland Lop, Mini Rex, New Zealand White, Netherland Dwarf

Color/Variety

Specify the color or variety according to your breed standard.

Examples: Black Otter, Blue Tort, REW (Ruby-Eyed White), Broken Orange

Identification Fields

Proper identification prevents confusion and ensures accurate record-keeping.

Identification Section

Ear tattoo for permanent identification
ARBA or other registry number

Tattoo Best Practices

  • Left Ear: Typically for registration number
  • Right Ear: Your rabbitry identification
  • System Example: Year + Letter + Number (2024A01)

Important Dates and Weights

Used for age calculations
lbs
Important: The weight unit (lbs/kg) is set in your account settings and cannot be changed after adding data. Make sure it's correct before adding your first breeder!

Location and Housing

Physical location in your rabbitry
Location System Ideas:
  • Grid System: A-1, A-2, B-1, B-2
  • Descriptive: Doe Barn - Top Row - Cage 3
  • Numbered: Cage 001, Cage 002
  • Color Coded: Blue Section - 3

Pedigree Information

Even if you don't have complete pedigree information, add what you know:

Pedigree Section

Select from your bucks or leave unknown
Select from your does or leave unknown
No Parents in System? That's okay! You can:
  • Leave them as "Unknown" for now
  • Add text-only pedigree information in the notes
  • Add deceased parents as breeders with "Deceased" status
  • Update pedigree information later

Acquisition Details

Track where your rabbits come from:

$
Helps track your investment and calculate ROI

Additional Information

Notes Section

Use the notes field for any additional information:

  • Personality traits
  • Show results
  • Health history
  • Breeding observations
  • Special care requirements
Example Note: "Very friendly, good mother, tends to have large litters (8-10). Won BOB at County Fair 2024. Prefer to breed during cooler months. Sensitive to pellet changes - transition slowly."

Categories/Tags

Organize your rabbits with custom categories:

  • Show Stock - Rabbits for exhibition
  • Brood Stock - Primary breeding animals
  • Pet Quality - For pet sales
  • Meat Production - Commercial lines
  • Project - Specific breeding projects

Adding Photos

Photos help with quick identification and documentation:

Photo Tips
  • Take photos in good lighting
  • Include side profile for type
  • Capture unique markings
  • Update photos as they grow
Recommended Shots
  • Full body side view
  • Face close-up
  • Top-down view
  • Any unique features

Saving Your First Breeder

Before You Save:
  • ✓ Double-check the name spelling
  • ✓ Verify sex is correct
  • ✓ Confirm weight units
  • ✓ Review identification numbers

Once you're satisfied with the information:

  1. Click the "Save Breeder" button
  2. You'll be redirected to the breeder's profile
  3. From there, you can add photos, weights, and more

After Saving - What's Next?

Immediate Actions
  • Upload photos
  • Generate cage card
  • Add to breeding schedule
  • Record current weight
Future Actions
  • Track weight weekly/monthly
  • Record health treatments
  • Document breeding attempts
  • Update show results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid These Pitfalls:
  1. Duplicate Names: Each rabbit needs a unique name
  2. Wrong Sex: Double-check - this affects breeding options
  3. Missing Tattoos: Add them before shows or sales
  4. No Location: Makes daily care difficult
  5. Skipping Photos: Visual identification is invaluable

Tips for Success

🎯 Start Small

Don't feel pressured to enter every detail immediately. Start with basic information and build over time.

🎯 Be Consistent

Whatever naming and organization system you choose, stick with it. Consistency makes management easier.

🎯 Regular Updates

Set a schedule to update weights, photos, and notes. Weekly or monthly updates keep records current.

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Last updated: December 2024