Surprise Kindling, Cold Kits

[DellaMyDarling]

I have seen numerous things re:formula.
Some say KMR.
Some say KMR plus a bunch of things.
Some say goats milk.

I've got plenty of goats milk and thought that was better than $19 can of KMR powder. Because, well, often they don't make it regardless


This is does 2nd litter. It was not an intentional breed and we had 0 inkling she was pregnant. As a precaution, I put a nest box in the other does cage as well. So far nothing, but she's young and likely refused buck advances. Crossing fingers.

 

[cassie]

Clearly mom has no instincts. She won't stay out of the nest box.
5 babies have been stomped and peed all over.
I have removed the remaining baby. Baby has scratch marks and drew some blood. Didn't want to assume how to clean that.
Its a 30min drive to a tiny Walmart that likely won't have the heat pad described, I'd need to go further to a bigger store. Baby is currently snuggled in a washcloth on the hot water pad.

I have sick chickens and a child waiting for a Crisis team simultaneously, because nothing in my life likes to come one thing at a time ya know.

I put a Craigslist post up looking for a foster, not holding my breath but there's a few breeders around so maybe.
Mom has no milk. Was hoping I could just bring baby to her twice a day. Negative.
Everything I read says I'll kill the baby trying to hand raise it. Someone said another user here had been successful, going to try looking for that info.

I have never attempted to hand raise baby rabbits myself but I have known people who have. It can be done.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

I have never attempted to hand raise baby rabbits myself but I have known people who have. It can be done.

Haven't had time to research deeply. This little one isn't readily eating from the bottle. Kinda getting nipple to it and giving a tiny squish, watching it swallow, repeat. I've found a few resources discussing how much to feed so I'm doing my best to get that in baby. Timewise, baby only would have missed one natural feeding, and we're seeing more activity from him when bottle offered so must be doing something right. If it seems to go right tomorrow, I'll just do the twice a day feeds as nature intended.

 

[BallyFarm]

Haven't had time to research deeply. This little one isn't readily eating from the bottle. Kinda getting nipple to it and giving a tiny squish, watching it swallow, repeat. I've found a few resources discussing how much to feed so I'm doing my best to get that in baby. Timewise, baby only would have missed one natural feeding, and we're seeing more activity from him when bottle offered so must be doing something right. If it seems to go right tomorrow, I'll just do the twice a day feeds as nature intended.

I’ve never had to hand raise a litter but it seems as if You’re doing the best you can. How did baby do through the night? Do you have a picture of the kit? Is mom still acting high strung. Sometime if I feel as if one my kits are getting enough milk my doe will let me hold her like a baby I can have the kit nurse for a little. I’ve only had to do this a few times but it sometimes works.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Mom had no instincts going on at all. I don't think she's part of the solution.
Worried about this kit getting enough milk. Been feeding about 4x a day but belly wrinkles never disappear. Skin test starting to show slight dehydration. But, so wiggly, cannot get a belly pic to show it, so maybe things are on upward swing.
Found a small creature nest filler that I've been cuddling kit into, seems to be plenty warm now.

 

[BallyFarm]

What have you been using to feed baby? I baby bottle nipple maybe too big, but I’ve heard that if you take a cotton swab like a q tip and dip that in the water. Or a eye dropper.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

What have you been using to feed baby? I baby bottle nipple maybe too big, but I’ve heard that if you take a cotton swab like a q tip and dip that in the water. Or a eye dropper.

This, and seems too tough for baby. He doesn't really latch and suckle but has been trying to chomp more enthusiastically.
Ordered some Miracle Nipples, Amazon 2 days out. Using a small syringe is a patience test. Very easy to drown him out I've found!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Yup, syringes & droppers very easy to aspirate them Wishing you the best, doing the best you can and that's all you can do

 

[BallyFarm]

Sounds like you’ve got it handled the first three days are the worst if he makes it that long, he is definitely a fighter and you have a good chance.

 

[DellaMyDarling]

Sounds like you’ve got it handled the first three days are the worst if he makes it that long, he is definitely a fighter and you have a good chance.

He's definitely strong! Keeps wiggling out of my towel holds.

Mixed results using a makeup sponge to feed. Not sure he understands suckling? Belly never rounds out, but I am attempting to feed every few hours because no feeds go well
The first day I was able to get him to pee. No luck last few tries. Keep finding tiny black poo in his bedding so I think he may be going on his own. Could not find much info on this process other than I have to do it.

I'm fairly confident I have a boy here. Google pics are limited for newborn kits.