bigfoot_158
Well-known member
As you all know I have the first littler of babies. At what age can we start handling them to tame them? 
Didnt know where to post it.
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I handle all of mine from birth.
Here is an entire thread full of pics of people handling kits.
newborn-bunnies-picture-thread-t22498.html
Here is an entire thread full of pics of people handling kits.
newborn-bunnies-picture-thread-t22498.html
Prisma
Well-known member
Handle from birth as well, but I do not tolerate aggressive does or nervous nellies. If your doe is a nervous one or aggressive towards you (and I mean truly aggressive, bites/lunges/hates you) then its a bad idea to handle until least 2 or 3 weeks old, then you may have some screamers. They don't know what a human is, assume you are a predator going to eat them, so scream until they calm down.
bigfoot_158
Well-known member
I have been checking the nest twice a day just to make sure everyone is alive and well. My check also includes checking for wetness. I should worded it differently. How about playing with them instead. And what is too much handling?
LOL I am going to eat them....
Rebel.Rose.Rabbitry":edtox8hi said:
LOL I am going to eat them....
Baby rabbits only feed once or twice a day, so basically, you can have the nest away from mom for hours. You don't have to worry about keeping them awake too long, as they will pass out in your hands when they are tired.
The two largest issues with kit handling seem to be :
1, Warmth. Don't let those little cuties get too chilled.
2, Bacteria. Not so much with your own family, but unfamiliar children should definitely wash their hands. My theory is that baby rabbits probably share some immunity to common bacteria from their mothers, but their immune systems may not yet be developed enough to handle new strains that their dam isn't already resistant to.
The two largest issues with kit handling seem to be :
1, Warmth. Don't let those little cuties get too chilled.
2, Bacteria. Not so much with your own family, but unfamiliar children should definitely wash their hands. My theory is that baby rabbits probably share some immunity to common bacteria from their mothers, but their immune systems may not yet be developed enough to handle new strains that their dam isn't already resistant to.
bigfoot_158
Well-known member
Thanks Zass. I guess a hour or two a day is a good start and not too much. And yes it just my family no other out side people will be playing until weaned.
bantambunnies
Well-known member
I handle mine from birth, but still try to keep it to a minimum until they grow some fur. They're a lot of fun at 2-4 weeks, when they're still small and sleepy.
bigfoot_158
Well-known member
This Friday they are two weeks old. Mom has done a great job raising 8 of the little buggers. :bunnyhop: :bunnyhop: :bunnyhop:
