My doe is caring for 2 week old kits. The kits are currently in a 3/4 box. She seems to be feeding them, but not as much as she used to. Every time they come out of the box to explore, they go right to mom and try to nurse. She ends up hopping around her cage trying to get them off, and sometimes I have to help her. Is there any way for me to help teach the babies not to nurse on her unless she goes to feed them? Do they have to work it out themselves? I am also debating whether or not to take out the 3/4 box because they are starting to soil it and get themselves dirty. They are walking on the wire just fine, and today I put a small bowl of pellets and a water bottle down low for them to explore. They have been eating some of the pellets and licking the water bottle. But the doe seems to not want to have anything to do with them except to feed them. She does get a little curious about them sometimes. I also think she is in the middle of having a false pregnancy. She has been showing behavior of being late in a pregnancy. I palpated her just in case, and I am pretty sure she isn't pregnant. How can I get everyone to get along happily?
Doe annoyed with kits
- Thread starter Lopsided
- Start date
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Many people give the doe something to get up on to get away from the babies. It's not really natural for them to be penned together at this age (the doe would still be visiting only to nurse), so when the kits see mom, they think it's feeding time. Later they will settle down.
Perhaps you can tip the nestbox over on it's side to offer some shelter AND a resting place for the doe?
Perhaps you can tip the nestbox over on it's side to offer some shelter AND a resting place for the doe?
Yep, normal behavior. It may take a bit, but the kits will learn that mama sets the feeding time.
Does the box you put in have a top? I give mine a box with a top, sides and back (no bottom). The kits explore and gather inside and the doe can get on top if she wants.
If there is a chance your doe is pregnant again, she may wean the little ones early. I would be prepared for that and to put a nest box in. Hopefully, you know when she may have gotten re-bred.
Does the box you put in have a top? I give mine a box with a top, sides and back (no bottom). The kits explore and gather inside and the doe can get on top if she wants.
If there is a chance your doe is pregnant again, she may wean the little ones early. I would be prepared for that and to put a nest box in. Hopefully, you know when she may have gotten re-bred.
