dwarf hotots some info please

jollysrabbits · Oct 4, 2012

I raise mostly meat rabbits and larger breeds, but my wife loved the dwarf hotots. So we have a breeding pair. Problem is I don't know much about them! The dwarfs normally pull hair also correct? She keeps kindling on the wire and does not pull fur. By the way I did buy from a reputable breeder and both the sire and dam have very impressive pedigrees.

Bad Habit · Oct 4, 2012

my lionhead doe pulls hair until she's bald on her tummy... like, entire tummy, from vent to forelegs. How many chances has she had to kindle successfully? Maybe her nest box is too big for her to feel comfy in it?

a7736100 · Oct 4, 2012

I prefer using indoor type solid plastic bottom cage for births. No worries about kits falling through the wires. However if they are born without a nest, they can die of exposure when they craw around seeking warmth.

jollysrabbits · Oct 4, 2012

Bad Habit":18enxfv3 said:
my lionhead doe pulls hair until she's bald on her tummy... like, entire tummy, from vent to forelegs. How many chances has she had to kindle successfully? Maybe her nest box is too big for her to feel comfy in it?

this will be her second time with us, and I think you hit the nail on the head regarding nest box size. This might very well be an issue s the the nestbox is almost double her size. I have to make a new one. It was used for my old mini rexes.

MamaSheepdog · Oct 4, 2012

Were you able to save any of the kits?

jollysrabbits · Oct 4, 2012

we got SOOO lucky! It was about 80-85 degrees outside, I guess warm enough to keep all 3 alive. My wife was very happy. These rabbits were an anniversary gift, this will be the first sucessfull litter out of her.