Another Kit- Eye Issue

Silver Willow · Oct 30, 2015

Another litter with eye issues apparently, only this time the kits don't want to open their 'lookers'!

They are currently 14 days of age, and yesterday I was able to help the wee girl by dabbing her eyes with some wet cotton buds and gently prying them open. But her brother, the smaller of the two, still hasn't opened his eyes. I tried to do the same cotton procedure for him yesterday, but he doesn't have any goobies at all. Those eyes are still sealed shut though, and I'm a bit worried that if I don't get them open he'll get an infection or something. But at the same time, I don't want to hurt him by being to rough. Will the just open in their own time, or should I intervene now?

Thanks!

Petlover500 · Oct 30, 2015

My litter opened their eyes on day 13, and even then was a little late I think. But they did it just fine in their own time

I personally wouldn't open my kits' eyes for them unless there was a crust or eye goop.
But, maybe someone else thinks otherwise.

Silver Willow · Oct 30, 2015

I'm just a bit worried if I leave it too late he'll get infected or something. And the internet says a million different things, so I thought you folks here at rabbit talk might be able to give me a more consistent answer c;

Here's a few pics of the little guy. You can sort of see what I mean about his eye lids- no crust at all.

Petlover500 · Oct 30, 2015

Hmm... I am not very experienced with kits so I'm not sure what to say. /:
But the eyelids look fully formed to me. I would use a just use a q-tip with lukewarm water to soften them, and then gently try to open them. If they don't open, I would just try again every few hours.
But I would wait to see what others have to say before you do anything.

He is very pretty, by the way!!

ladysown · Oct 30, 2015

kits open their eyes at different times.. watching for goop or crusties is important.

Size of kits makes a difference.

Most kits in my experience open their eyes anywhere from Day 8-11. Bigger kits open sooner, smaller kits open later.

Just keep a watch on the kit, you could daily gently pry it (see if you can spread the lips) and if you can yeah, and if you can't give it more time. At this point in time the kits eye looks to be fine. no bulging, both eyes appear the same, I wouldn't be worrying at this point YET.

Silver Willow · Nov 1, 2015

Thank you Ladysown and Petlover, much appreciated c:

After dabbing his eyes again the day before, yesterday I was able to pry them open without any apparent damage. So now we have two little kits hopping around annoying poor mummy bunny!