Can Rabbits Count?

[Truckinguy]

Silly question, I suppose, but just curious as to whether rabbits can tell if there are kits missing. Lucille had 11 Kits three days ago and two or three of them are looking obviously thinner and dehydrated, obviously losing the battle for food. I brought the five fattest kits inside this afternoon and will return them to the nest in the morning, hopefully the others will get an extra feeding and catch up.

Lucille was NOT happy with me messing with the nest and nipped my hand a couple of times. She is a great mom but I"m wondering if she notices the number of kits missing. She's in for a surprise in the morning...

 

[Nyctra]

I doubt she'll notice anything. I think their only idea of counting is something and nothing, or maybe intervals of about five kits... :hmm: Sometimes I'd sneak several extra kits into a nest and a doe would jump right back out 'cause there was more wiggling under her than she expected, so she'd have to take an extra minute to investigate before attempting nursing again. :lol:

 

[akane]

Maybe they can tell a lot from a few but this doesn't seem to have any impact. They feed what is there whether it goes up or down provided they aren't stressed too much. Usually scents don't matter either except possibly when fostering from another doe. As long as you don't stress a doe too much disturbing her nest in front of her (most will get over it) you can remove and add which kits you want. It is possible though 11 will just prove too many to feed and it's common for people to cull the weak ones out of larger litters.

 

[Zass]

My does certainly can't count. They will feed whatever I stick in the nestbox.

Now, if she has more milk than the kits can draw off, it might be a bit upsetting to her.

 

[Truckinguy]

I took the five out this morning and the ones in the nest had definitely been fed so I tucked these ones in there with them. We'll see what we shall see. I usually let Nature take it's course but I thought I would try this to see what would happen.

I know the question was a bit odd, lol, I was just wondering what goes on in a rabbit's head. This is what happens when I have a little spare time and let my mind wander. Too much Pink Floyd, I guess...

 

[owlsfriend]

you could split the kits into two nest boxes, leaving the smaller ones together in the original nest. Many does with large litters will split the nest. Mama will feed both nests.

 

[Susie570]

Sounds like you did the right thing... full tummies are always a blessing Good choice and good momma!