Bred Doe Issue

[Cspr]

I'm buying an American Sable. She's two-year-old senior who is bred and has had litters before. She should kindle on the 15th. I am unsure whether to transport her before or after she has kits? Both seem stressful.

It's just an hour car ride and I could sit in the back with her, pet her and give her a few parsley leaves or something, maybe tiny bits of apple or banana. She'd have water and hay available and be in a carrier.

Thoughts?

 

[Secuono]

That's just days away, 2wks before or after would be safest. Then in a carrier where it's dim, not noisy, little distraction and no handling. She doesn't know you, so you bothering her, touching and all that is stress. Give her a towel to absorb pee, put in fresh hay for her to eat, some pellets she's used to and leave her be. Put the kits in with their nest in a box separate from her so she doesn't sit in there and stomp them.

 

[Cspr]

Thank you, CnB. I'm so new. I've dealt with pregnant cats, but never pregnant rabbits. A pregnant cat or cat with kittens does bettering with petting (normally), even if you are new. Well, treats (especially chicken) and petting. Those two things will make a cat love you.

-makes note of all suggestions- Breeder is going through messy personal stuff and needs her gone. Bothersome. Hmmm. Well, I'll try for ASAP or try to convince the breeder to keep her for another two weeks. -crosses fingers- And, yeah. If it's with kits, I'll keep the nest box separate. Stomping would be a sad start to my little raising rabbit adventure. o.o

 

[ladysown]

if the owner needs her gone I would move her NOW. her due date is two days away. I've moved does in various stages....pregnant, very pregnant, just kindled, and it's always worked out for me.

So hopefully your doe will follow that pattern.

I do know that some does will have issues with travelling. Just keep her cool and hope for the best.

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

I'd try moving her now, too. She may delay her birth a few days, but once she settles she should be okay. I'd limit the amount of handling she gets until after she kindles though...or bribe her. Rabbits are easily "bought" lol. My cranky doe, Classy, LOVES me when I'm holding some Romaine or a slice of apple. Jack was scared of his new cage and growled at me...until I shook the pellet scoop and he realized I had his dinner in my hands and if he wanted his pellets, he had to let me reach into his cage.

 

[Cspr]

Thanks, ladysown. I will contact her breeder and see if I can get her NOW as you put it.

Yes. Basically what I'd do with a new rescue. (I am the person who is called if someone finds kittens under their house or in their garage. XD ) Mind you, I always keep touching to the minimum with new rescues anyway, but I've found that after they get comfortable, normally they don't mind being talked to in a really soothing voice or even being gently stroked. -shrugs- Nonetheless, I'll edge on careful since she's so close to kindling.