WildWolf
Well-known member
Ok, I'm a little nervous, and really excited, because I'm going to have my first litter in 2ish weeks. This litter will be the doe's first, and my first, so that's why I'm nervous. The doe is in a huge hutch and run, and I can access everything in case she decides to forgo the beautiful nest boxes I provided.
When do you remove the nest box completely? Please give me more tips/advice! This is what I have so far:
*after the doe is pregnant, start increasing feed slowly
*give the doe a nest box 3-7 days before due date (day 28) or when she starts carrying hay or digging (too soon, and she might soil it)
*some does eat less/ don't eat a couple days before kindling
*doe pulls fur 12hrs-2days before kindling
*on day 8 or 9 or 10, replace nest box lining. reuse as much fur as possible
*day 13, kits eyes should all be opened
*up until day 13, no kits should be outside nest
*day 21-28 (earlier in the summer, later in the other seasons) remove nest box and clean
*clean the nest box as soon as the kits are out
*in the wild;weaned at 4wks. Wean when no older than 6-7wks
*when weaning, leave the littlest ones in after removing the bigger ones, so the doe drains her milk
*separate bucks from does at 8-12 wks
When do you remove the nest box completely? Please give me more tips/advice! This is what I have so far:
*after the doe is pregnant, start increasing feed slowly
*give the doe a nest box 3-7 days before due date (day 28) or when she starts carrying hay or digging (too soon, and she might soil it)
*some does eat less/ don't eat a couple days before kindling
*doe pulls fur 12hrs-2days before kindling
*on day 8 or 9 or 10, replace nest box lining. reuse as much fur as possible
*day 13, kits eyes should all be opened
*up until day 13, no kits should be outside nest
*day 21-28 (earlier in the summer, later in the other seasons) remove nest box and clean
*clean the nest box as soon as the kits are out
*in the wild;weaned at 4wks. Wean when no older than 6-7wks
*when weaning, leave the littlest ones in after removing the bigger ones, so the doe drains her milk
*separate bucks from does at 8-12 wks