Surprise Kindling, Cold Kits

DellaMyDarling

Songster
Dec 13, 2017
631
876
216
Mass Hilltowns
I've got too much going on to explain myself.
Long story short, Delilah Bun had 6 kits.
She is now in my house because they are all cold, not enough fur in box, and last night was about -10.
She stomped 3 :(

3 kits are cold. Wiggly, but cold. She is in and out of nest box.
Everyone is leaving the house for a bit so maybe peace and quiet will help her, I imagine she's stressed.
I read it is normal that they haven't fed yet?

I put covers on a few sides of cage to make it calmer. What else should I be doing right now? House is 70*

I'm feeling like the breeder sold me a rabbit bridge, that's another discussion though.
 
Ok, do not separate the doe from the kits, she may pull fur late. A doe does not stay in the nest box (like hens keep chicks warm), she enters the nest box only to feed. What do you have for your nest box bedding ... Shaving? Hay? Shredded Paper? The pulled fur is what keeps the kits warm plus their body heat. Picture of your set up?

If you're able to, put some gloves on and check the kits in a day or two, see if their tummy are round & fed. If this is her first litter, she maybe confused. You may want to get some KMR (kitty milk replacer) if you need to help. Rabbits are the easiest to hand raise, I've lost a few. Try the pet stores for those tiny bottles (doll), be very careful they are very easy to aspirate when hand feeding.

There was someone on this website that was very successful hand raising, had a formula and setup too. Will try to find locate an link it to you IF I'm successful
 
I would put a heating pad under everything. Not where it can come in contact with their body but completely under everything. Even Mom may get attracted to the warmth and stay longer. If u have a Walmart close, our Walmart has a model of heating pad without the shut off valve. I would suggest that kind. Read box carefully because they carry both types. They cost about $15. It may be better to get two. If u have to settle for the type with a shut off valve you will have to come back and turn it back on after 2 hours or however long it says.. If you place it between 2 pieces of card board, it will protect it and the cardboard heats well. Of course Walmart also also carries the unfolded shipping cardboard boxes in various sizes. The large is not even $2. I'm meaning so u will have access to clean cardboard.
 
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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.
 
Oh I’m so sorry. Sounds like your momma is stressed, how old is she? Did you breed her on purpose? How is the baby doing currently?
 

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