Raising our New Zealand Meat Rabbits *Start to finish - Birth to processing* Possible Graphic pics*

[ChocolateMouse]

So the reason for the law is a consumer protection law... If you cant see where they are raised they need to be inspected. However... Meat, fiber and breeding animals are exempt.

 

[guineagirl23]

So my Flemish Giant never took ;'( but both my other NZ does have took,14 days along today!

 

[Angelicisi]

Yaya half way there!

So my Flemish Giant never took ;'( but both my other NZ does have took,14 days along today!

 

[guineagirl23]

Yaya half way there!

I know! I'm super excited because they will be the first litters of broken kits I've ever had!

 

[kacklinkelly]

Waiting on pins and needles for those kit pix when they arrive. Best of luck!

 

[kacklinkelly]

Oops, forgot to ask. As a new comer, how do you know 14 days in that one doe "didn't take" but the others did?

 

[guineagirl23]

Oops, forgot to ask.  As a new comer, how do you know 14 days in that one doe "didn't take"  but the others did?

Palpation will be your best friend around day 14 you can feel them developing

 

[kacklinkelly]

I have seen somewhere in my research that when you palpate a pregnant doe, the unborn kits feel like grapes. I didn't realize it could be done as soon as 14 days. Is this a reliable analogy?

 

[guineagirl23]

I have seen somewhere in my research that when you palpate a pregnant doe, the unborn kits feel like grapes.  I didn't realize it could be done as soon as 14 days.  Is this a reliable analogy?

It really is. It's the best way to tell, though it's not 100% foolproof. It takes a while to be able to tell the difference in fecal pellets, which are round and firm when lightly squeezed. The embryos are a lot less firm and kinda squishy. Don't be afraid that you will hurt the doe/babies because you won't I've had the most success through palpation

 

[Angelicisi]

My sweet doe got a hold of a plastic bag :/ she's fine. But there were pieces I went to collect lol this doe lets me handle new born kits, cuddles and everything...but try n take a piece of plastic away and she's on attack lol