can I / should I clean out the nest box?

[terrie mac]

I noticed it's a bit moist at the bottom of the nest box and some droppings, I was wondering if I should change the litter and clean the box (first time rabbit breeder). The kits are now 2 weeks old and I'm concerned that being under all the mother's fur, straw, and hay will be too warm for them. Seems like there is too much bedding in the box- should I take some out?

During the day it's in the high 80's -low 90's and in the evening it gets down to the low 50's.

Thanks in advance for the help

 

[MamaMandy]

It should be just fine to clean it out now. You could put in some fresh bedding and save the fur to put back on them at night. They should be furred out enough at 2 weeks old that they certainly don't need fur on them during the day especially with those temps.

 

[MaggieJ]

I usually clean out the nest box at Day 9... just before the kits' eyes open. I feel it helps prevent nest box eye. It won't bother the doe or the kits no matter when you do it, so go by when it needs it rather than age. Clean fur can be salvaged, but soiled fur could be replaced by other materials such a teased cotton balls or batting, dryer lint or even feathers from a pillow. At two weeks and with summer temperatures they will not want much over them unless the temperatures drop drastically at night.

 

[Heritage Homestead]

I cleaned mine out at 1 day. It was a good chance to look them all over and make sure all looked good. My doe was also very calm about it. I might have waited a bit if she was aggresive. After that I cleaned on day 9 and then whenever it seemed it needed it.
Hope this helps.