disappointing litter

[coyotejoe]

I've come to expect 10-13 offspring from my old doe Cut Ear so imagine my disappointment this morning when I dug into that ball of fur and found only two little wigglers. I have no idea what the problem might be. I don't know how old she actually may be but I would like to get more litters out of her so I'm hoping this was just a one time phenomenon.

 

[katiebear]

Could be age or condition. .if she got fat in between litters..or could be a fluke..breed her as soon as those are weened...my big girl had 8 to 11 normally then 4, so at 4 weeks I bred her back...she had 6. I know she is only 2 so I figure she got a little overweight.

 

[Dood]

My sisters Lion Lop went from 5 to 7 kits in a litter down to 1 or 3, I finally got around to palpitating her and I'm certain she has a calcified fetus in one horn of her uterus and hope that is the problem - otherwise it's ovarian or uterine cancer (she is 6 years old) but it hasn't grown in 2 months so I'm praying that's not the case

 

[Miss M]

Perhaps she's not finished yet, and will have more tonight or tomorrow.

 

[coyotejoe]

Perhaps she's not finished yet, and will have more tonight or tomorrow.

Nice thought but unfortunately no, two is all.

 

[Miss M]

Oh, well. :shrug:

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Breed her back to the buck today and wean the current kits at about 3-1/2 weeks. They will be huge by that time since they will be fed so well, and Cut Ear should hold her condition just fine nursing only two.

You should get a big litter since they are so receptive just after kindling.

 

[coyotejoe]

I tried to breed her to both bucks and she is not cooperating. Tried holding her head and lifting her rump but I've never had success in forcing an unwilling doe.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I tried to breed her to both bucks and she is not cooperating.

Today, day 3? I think most does are raring to go on day 1 and possibly 2, but after that they aren't interested. I *think* they get in the mood again at around the 1-9 day mark. You might try again then.

Tried holding her head and lifting her rump but I've never had success in forcing an unwilling doe.

Me neither. My friend has had success by grabbing the skin over the shoulders and pulling toward the head. It makes the tail lift- but you have to be careful because the buck may accidentally bite you.