Okay, first, please don't judge/insult me. I feel horrible about this, and really don't need to be shamed on the internet. I haven't posted this anywhere else, because I am worried about what will be said, and what backlash would happen, but I do need advice, and I believe this is the place where I will get the least abuse for asking for advice.
So, I use those cube-y things to make my own cages, and binder clips to hold them closed. I have the cages stacked one on top of the other, and they share a door. Never had a problem before.
I bred my doe, made a nest box, seemed to have done everything right, because she made a lovely nest, had her litter in the box, and everything went well. I went out for the day, thinking nothing of the buck's investigations of the top of his cage/bottom of the doe's cage. My readings had told me that bucks find does who have just kindled irresistable, but I guess I didn't realize just how bad it was.
When I came home after helping my mum in her yard for 6 hours, I found the cage door open, one of the binder clips was actually bent from the force of the rabbits trying to get out. I don't know how long they were out together, but up to 6 hours. When I checked them after I caught them, I checked them out. He had hair wrapped around his boy parts, and looked chafed. She was swollen and red, but that would be expected after having kindled anyway. It was relatively hot, so hoped and prayed that the buck was sterile.
We're closing in on the end though. Babies will be weaned on or around Friday. 31 days is a week from Tuesday. Was initially planning on doing a slow wean starting at 4 weeks, to help her dry up, but now unsure. Should I pull them all out all at once? Leave one or two in case she didn't take? Was 4.5lbs before she kindled. Dropped to 4lbs, and slowly crept back up to 4.5lbs. My mum says she's probably pregnant, as she should have lost weight while nursing.
Basically, I need any tips and advice I can get. I tried palpating her, but had no real idea what I was doing, and she got upset. She's not started nesting yet. I just don't know what to do, and feel so bad for allowing that to happen.
So, I use those cube-y things to make my own cages, and binder clips to hold them closed. I have the cages stacked one on top of the other, and they share a door. Never had a problem before.
I bred my doe, made a nest box, seemed to have done everything right, because she made a lovely nest, had her litter in the box, and everything went well. I went out for the day, thinking nothing of the buck's investigations of the top of his cage/bottom of the doe's cage. My readings had told me that bucks find does who have just kindled irresistable, but I guess I didn't realize just how bad it was.
When I came home after helping my mum in her yard for 6 hours, I found the cage door open, one of the binder clips was actually bent from the force of the rabbits trying to get out. I don't know how long they were out together, but up to 6 hours. When I checked them after I caught them, I checked them out. He had hair wrapped around his boy parts, and looked chafed. She was swollen and red, but that would be expected after having kindled anyway. It was relatively hot, so hoped and prayed that the buck was sterile.
We're closing in on the end though. Babies will be weaned on or around Friday. 31 days is a week from Tuesday. Was initially planning on doing a slow wean starting at 4 weeks, to help her dry up, but now unsure. Should I pull them all out all at once? Leave one or two in case she didn't take? Was 4.5lbs before she kindled. Dropped to 4lbs, and slowly crept back up to 4.5lbs. My mum says she's probably pregnant, as she should have lost weight while nursing.
Basically, I need any tips and advice I can get. I tried palpating her, but had no real idea what I was doing, and she got upset. She's not started nesting yet. I just don't know what to do, and feel so bad for allowing that to happen.
