MamaSheepdog
Well-known member
I am wondering if anyone has encountered problems with different nestbox designs.
Last night my JRT started alerting to a problem with kits in the rabbitry. I heard occasional squeaks from some kits, and looked everywhere for a stray. The squeaking from the nest increased, and when I pulled a kit out it was unfed, as were the others. BF611 was perched on top of the nestbox, but would jump off when the kits started squeaking, look in the box, and jump back on top. It finally came to me that she was trying to feed them by sitting on the back of the nest.
I ended up switching the litter to an all wire nest that is completely open at the top. She jumped right in and started nursing, with her head and forequarters raised, an impossible position with a half covered nest. She didn't stay long enough, so I took her and the nest out, and put her in and pet her while they fed.
I just purchased these metal boxes, and have only used the open topped wire nests before. The height of the boxes is about equal, with the all metal ones being slightly wider. I can understand that a doe used to one type might resist a change in design, but this is a maiden doe with no prior experience. :?
I don't know what type of nests the breeder used, but am wondering if that might be a factor that affects the nursing behavior in the line. One of my does nurses her kits in a crouched and rounded position, nose tucked down into the nest, but most of the others seem to prefer being able to "keep a lookout" while they feed.
Last night my JRT started alerting to a problem with kits in the rabbitry. I heard occasional squeaks from some kits, and looked everywhere for a stray. The squeaking from the nest increased, and when I pulled a kit out it was unfed, as were the others. BF611 was perched on top of the nestbox, but would jump off when the kits started squeaking, look in the box, and jump back on top. It finally came to me that she was trying to feed them by sitting on the back of the nest.
I ended up switching the litter to an all wire nest that is completely open at the top. She jumped right in and started nursing, with her head and forequarters raised, an impossible position with a half covered nest. She didn't stay long enough, so I took her and the nest out, and put her in and pet her while they fed.
I just purchased these metal boxes, and have only used the open topped wire nests before. The height of the boxes is about equal, with the all metal ones being slightly wider. I can understand that a doe used to one type might resist a change in design, but this is a maiden doe with no prior experience. :?
I don't know what type of nests the breeder used, but am wondering if that might be a factor that affects the nursing behavior in the line. One of my does nurses her kits in a crouched and rounded position, nose tucked down into the nest, but most of the others seem to prefer being able to "keep a lookout" while they feed.
