My rabbit just had 5 bunnies today. I think they are all alive, but when can I handle them to make sure? How much extra food should I give the mother?

-- Jessica (jaywig86@psknet.com), May 03, 2002

Answers

I always handle them and check them all as soon as I see that they are born. You need to remove any dead kits ASAP. As for feed - free feed her until she weans the kits.

-- Cheryl in Ks (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), May 03, 2002.

Ditto to what Cheryl said

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), May 03, 2002.

I always give my (angora)pregnant does, lactating does, and kits a tablespoon of Calf Manna mixed in with their food. It gives them an extra boost of nutriants. Also good for any one who is sick.

-- Susan in MN (nanaboo@paulbunyan.net), May 03, 2002.

Jessica, I forgot to add that I handle the babies everyday, just to make sure they're doing okay. I've NEVER had a doe quit taking care of her babies, so handling them daily shouldn't present a problem for you.

-- Cheryl in Ks (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), May 03, 2002.

It is true that the owner who feeds and handles the rabbits regularly will not have problems with the does destroying their litters. It is outsiders, friends, etc. allowed to touch the babies that will cause problems. Hope this helps.

-- Dianne Wood (woodgoat@pacifier.com), May 04, 2002.

Jessica:

It makes rabbit owners feel good to check the babies often, but the mama rabbit would just as soon you stayed to heck away. Mama rabbits have been tending their young for eaons, and after the first litter they can handle it. Sometimes, like human mothers, they do not do so well with their first; some of them get so upset they kill their babies, some do not feed them well, some lose a baby or two.

As a rule, I look in the box to see if the doe has kindled; if she has made a big nest full of hair and the back of the hair nest is wiggling now and then I go away, returning only to feed and water the doe. If some curious person just MUST see one of the bunnies I may get one out for a little while (but not if they are new babies) but generally I wait until their eyes are open and they come to the front of the nest box. If your doe is a very calm rabbit she may not fuss about your handling her babies, but like any new mother she will be a bit nervous. Patience, bunnies with their eyes open are more fun than little hairless, closed-eyes rats anyway. Mac

-- Jimmy S (Macrocarpus@gbronline.com), May 04, 2002.

One reason to check the nest is to take out any dead bunnies.

I always try to run my hand across the mama doe's nose a couple of times before and after I handle the babies and the nest and she ususually just sniffs them all and continues about her business.

-- Suzy in Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), May 04, 2002.