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Title: Rabbits first litter


AliceC - April 27, 2009 10:39 PM (GMT)
My Doe has given birth to two babies about 6 hours ago. The babies keep squeaking but she isnt responding i know she is most likely to feed them during the night and dont during the day. But i keep reading that with first litters the does have been known to reject the litters is very high so we are concerned about that but nowhere does it tell you on how you can tell if the female has rejected them. Any advice on that part would be much appreciated thanks.

Vickie - April 28, 2009 10:01 AM (GMT)
The doe and the kits are best left to it. If the doe deems the kits are at risk in any way she will kill them. Ensure there is extra hay for mum and give her a little extra food too.

As for the doe rejecting the kits, there is not much which can be done unless you go down the hand rearing route.

Good luck.

PinkBunny - April 28, 2009 03:04 PM (GMT)
The doe will feed the kits twice a day only.

At all other times she will completely ignore them. This is thought to be a survival instinct as in the wild they wouldn't want to draw attention to thier young and risk predators knowing they are there.

If you take the doe out of the hutch for a moment and use a clean long implement (vinyl gloves) to move the hay and fur you should be able to see if the babies have round full tummies. If they have it means they are being fed. Take care not to touch the hay you will leave your scent there.
It's true some does can become stressed if you interfere wit h the nest. However, lots of breeders will tell you that they handle kits from day one. It will depend on your doe really.

Good luck with your babies



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