Can I Put My Kits Outside Yet?

[The_Dutchess]

Ok so I had a litter of 6 Silver Fox kits. One was a runt, but now doing fine after force feeding. They are 10 days old and have opened their eyes about halfway today. They are currently residing in my bedroom along with mama. :angry: I have no solid bottomed cage, and my bedroom is of course carpet. So I had to line the bottom of the wire cage with garbage bags, newspapers, and hay. I am NOT HAPPY about the smell and I want them out. And who knows if the urine is leaking onto my carpet? So I was wondering if I could put them outside, since it's ok weather, 50 degrees and little to no wind. The problem being, the little buggers are DETERMINED to get out of the nestbox. It's early at 10 days to be out of the nestbox, and I am worried that if I put them outside and they get out, they'll die. What do you think?

 

[Susie570]

I'm not sure about the kits and changing temps so quickly, but wouldn't it be safe to at least put momma back out and bring the kits to her, or maybe just bring her back in at night for a while?

 

[Silver Cloud]

What size is the nest box? could you just raise the hight to make it harder for them to jump out at such an age? If the cage is in a dead air zone or the breeze is blocked they should have their fur by now and be more tolerant of the cooler temps I would think. Just our thoughts. <br /><br /> -- Sat Mar 14, 2015 12:17 pm -- <br /><br /> Nights not looking great for outside temps in our area of michigan, Not sure of size of your cage or How liquid your funds are but TSC sells the 30 by 36 pans or maybe you could find a dog pan to put under it. We are probably too far away to help. Shed/garage you could put them in with heat lamp? Hard for any one to know with out knowing your situation. Sorry we couldn't help more.

 

[The_Dutchess]

No I can't make any nestbox changes right now as the only person who can help me is unavailable. I have a tarp over the cage so it wouldn't be breezy. I don't have money for big enough pans. I might put mom outside and put the babies out to nurse, but could she abandon them? She is a first time mom and VERY VERY picky and defensive about who handles her babies. I could put them in the garage but the garage is just as cold as outside, since everyone is always going in and out. I have no idea what to do. Should I wait and just keep them inside? How long do I need to keep them inside before they are old enough to go out? Unfortunately whatever I do I have to do today since today is the only day I'll be free.

 

[Susie570]

I've never heard of a doe abandoning her kits in such a case and I know it's very common to leave a doe outside and bring the kits to her to nurse. Since she's been indoors though, I would make sure she still has a nice warm place to burrow outside. Could be stressful for her.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

If there is plenty of fur in the nest box, I wouldn't worry too much about them. They regulate their own temps at this age by burrowing deeper under the fur or moving it aside if they get too warm.

As for them getting out- well, that is always a risk, even when the temps are fairly warm. I'm in California, and found a kit of the same age dead on the wire this morning.

You could try to provide a "step" (brick, piece of 4" x 4", etc.) for them to get back into the box or place another container for them to go into- I use cat litter jugs with bedding inside- but a lone kit still has little chance of survival without litter mates to snuggle with.

Syberchick's suggestion of keeping the box in (at least at night) is a good one. I have never heard of anyone having problems with does when they take the nest away, either. I do it sometimes, and the does are always quick to hop in and nurse when I bring the kits to them for feedings.

Another option if you are willing to keep them inside would be to get a concrete mixing tub from Home Depot or Lowes to contain the waste and urine. They are inexpensive- compared to trays, at least- have high sides, and come in a variety of sizes. (*Edit- in my area, the ones from Home Depot are a better quality than those available at Lowes.)

 

[a7736100]

I usually take the nest indoors and leave the doe outside. The doe is brought in daily to feed the kits. The babies don't pee enough to stink till they are about a month old.

 

[Zass]

I usually take the nest indoors and leave the doe outside. The doe is brought in daily to feed the kits. The babies don't pee enough to stink till they are about a month old.

I leave the doe out and take the nestbox out to her for feeding. I usually leave the nest outside around 12 days, when their eyes are open and I know for sure they can get back into the box if they stray out.

 

[Marinea]

I do like Zass does. Depending on the weather, the kits stay outside at about two weeks. The nest box gets changed out for a three sided box (no bottom) filled with hay so the kits can get in it with no problem.