My rabbit had her babies...

[slightlyscrambled]

Yah! we just got our first "wabbit" a few weeks ago! I am still debating wether to spay her or get a buck?! I think baby bunnies could get just as addicting as little baby chicks.

 

[ThePamperedPullet]

OK Kids let's get back to the original post.
Leave the doe alone as much as possible. This is a critical time for her and the babies. Make sure she has plenty of food and water but other than that, leave her alone. Any stress and she could kill and eat the babies. Once she gets used to you being around her and the babies then it is much easier. It will take the babies a week or two before they are venturing out of the nest. I forget exactly how long but before you know it you will have a bunch of clumsy hopping fur balls. If there is one person that the doe trusts you might want to check in a day or so to see if there are any dead ones in the nest. Try not to touch the other babies. Mama knows best so let her do her thing.

 

[Chickenmaven]

Quote:
We had some "surprise" baby bunnies several weeks ago. Cannot find homes for them. Unless you have pedigreed rabbits, they are a hard, hard "sell." Even then...

 

[Skyesrocket]

When I raised rabbits on about day 2 I would carefully pull the clean rabbit fur and babies from the nest and check for dead babies. And replace any soiled straw. Then I would put the rabbit fur and babies back into the nest. The mothers didn't seem to mind.
Keep in mind that the moms only go into the nesting box to nurse the babies a couple of times a day. They don't stay with them like dogs and cats do. So don't worry if you don't see the mom in the nest.
Good Luck!

 

[RabbitMage]

Quote:
This is pretty unlikely. If the doe is really upset, use caution, but I've never had this happen. It's important to get in there soon and make sure all the kits are healthy and that there are no dead ones in the box.

 

[kidzmom5]

We checked them last night we counted 5 there maybe more but its hard to tell and they are all moving so Im assuming they are good. I will check on them again today...

 

[chinbunny]

Quote:
Overfeeding your rabbit when it has just given birth is NOT a good idea. Good way to give it masititus. she needs a limitted amount of food and hay, and plenty of water. I would give this doe about half of what she normally cleans up in a day, for about 5-7 days. Then increase her feed back to her normal ration per day. The doe and litter can be put on self feed after they come out of the nest box and start eating on their own. which is at about 15 days. You may want to leave them in a bit longer if its colder out. Put a small handful of feed in the nest with them every day, as soon as they open their eyes. They will learn to eat on it, before they come out of the box. You'll also want to check the nest for dead babies every day as well. Don't worry about getting your scent on them. She won't bother them since she knows you.

 

[miss_thenorth]

Not saying I'm an expert or anything, but I've had lots of litters and when I first got started, I was told once she kindles, keep her feed bowl full. A lactating mom of any breed needs more food and water to produce milk. When I know my does are about to kindle, I top up the feed, and they will go through alot of water. I have successfully had more litters than I can count, never had problems with masititis, or anything. Other tan that as little interventionas possible is needed. the mom will take care of everything herself. congrats on your litle bunns!!

 

[chickeypeep101]

This is where you are wrong. Take this in the way it was intended. People were reacting to the rudeness and abruptness of your reply. Even if she has posted this in the incubating section...who cares! No reason to be rude.

You are new here. Be polite. People here are friendly and kind and can offer you great advice.
okay people that was what i was trying to do in the first place. My opinion is that if someone said that to me i wouldn't take it as an insult. People have different opinions. I will accept that. So can everyone get back to the bunnies?

 

[chinbunny]

Quote:
ive raised them for quite a few years.

I know people that have lost bot the doe and the babies just by overfeeding them after giving birth. I have only lost one doe to it. Sometimes its best to err on the side of caution when you are new to raising them, and start off doing things the *safe8 way.