confused......impossible, i think

katiebear · Feb 21, 2015

Most (not all) feed at dusk and dawn..so seeing them feed is not always easy. Did she give birth in both locations? if so she may just believe that is where they should be. what may work is to remove the nest box, with all the kits for a few hours then bring it back like early evening for a feed. Once she feeds everyone in the same nest she may decide it's ok.. :?

DBA · Feb 21, 2015

There is no nest box. She is in a large wire side and top cage but the bottom is solid plastic. It's about 16 inches by 48 inches, and the plastic bottom is about 4 inches deep.
When she started building her nest in the corner, we put a small cardboard box in there and put her nesting material in the box. She, rather quickly, dug all of the fur and hay out of the box, moved the box away, and rebuilt her nest.

Susie570 · Feb 21, 2015

What a fussy doe!! o.0 I would think it might be safe to remove the nest she built, place it into a box with kits, remove them for a while and put them back for a feeding... but I would like to see other opinions on it. It generally isn't a good idea for a doe not to have a proper nest box.

DBA · Feb 23, 2015

I understand that, but, at least for now, I think it will be ok. If I notice the kits wandering away from the nest I will find someway to keep them contained.

-- Sun Feb 22, 2015 9:22 am --

I think now I know what's going on. There was only one in a different location this morning. I think what is happening is, she is nursing the kits, and when she leaves the nest, one or two are still holding on. Wherever they drop off, she builds a nest around them and covers them up. I don't know for sure as I haven't witnessed this happening, but its the only thing that makes any sense to me.
And mama has now started to get agitated with me whenever i try to uncover the kits to check on them. She has never nipped at me before, but did twice this morning. <br /><br /> -- Mon Feb 23, 2015 9:31 pm -- <br /><br /> Just an update. The six kits are doing well. Seem to be growing fine, and growing hair.
Oh, and now I understand the term "popples"

Zass · Feb 23, 2015

Mother rabbits cannot really move their kits. Their mouth isn't equipped for it. It would be like trying to hold a baby with scissors.

So, I agree with your theory that they are just dropping off. Sometimes, when they do get separated, the doe will pull more fur to keep both piles snug.

MamaSheepdog · Feb 23, 2015

Sometimes does do carry their kits longer, but they are usually born with fur and are more "advanced" looking in general.

Your kits look like newborns of normal gestational age to me. Please don't take this wrong, but I think you must have botched the breeding date, and been "off" by 10 (or so) days.