Thanks to a recent post, we realized why we were loosing this litter of kits, and took action, The Doe had really been piling excessive amounts of hair over the kits, and beginning to act quite skiddish really. The runt died first (expected) then the largest one a few days later, odd?.... thing was, the bellies were all full and round and the babies all warm, like they had literally just died. Then a few days later 2 more, except the remaining 4 were all in distress....It was a hot day, central Florida (high 80's) and it became apperant that the Doe was sitting in the nest.....In the heat of the afternoon. we were suffering heat strokes.....Apparently the mom is having concerns about a predetor or something....I've brought the 4 in, the first night I wasn't sure they would make it, but 2 days later and they seemed to have bounced completely back. We take them out to the Doe in the morning to feed, and she does quickly, and we bring them back inside. They were born April 16, so they are just 12 days old......when do i start giving water and pellets? how long will she nurse them this way? Is once a day enough? Does it change? We take them out again in the eve, but she doesn't nurse them then. They are hopping around the cage when we take them out. I don't want to leave them in there again, at this point...maybe when they are a bit more independant....recommendations and advise would be much appreciated....
Thanks, janine
Thanks, janine
