Experienced mother-- new kindling site--

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Frosted Rabbits

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MArsha kindled a litter of 10 in November-- in the past she would kindle 5, wean 4 (two litters) This time around, I was awakened by the sound of thumping coming from outside, Hurrind into some jeans and boots, to find 10 kits on the wire, and a distressed doe--

The runty kit never warmed up--I tried putting the kits back with momma, but a while later I re-thought, and returned to the shed to find one of the kits sliced by a nail, and two more smashed. In they came, and my egg incubator was put to work. A few hours later, after talking toa friend in another state, I was enlightened--

my rabbits are used to my dog, my cats, etc...but now, they are in an area where they hear other dogs (a veritable chorus of barking every day) Despite the fact I close the shed at night, they are aware of roaming cats, as well. I quickly made a makeshift cage, and installed momma and litter-- everything was textbook at that point-- until a few days later, when I found one lone, cold kit, dead in a normal sleeping position-- it had wandered from the rest of its littermates.

So, for those who may have an experienced mother 'go bad'-- look at what may be different in her environment- anything that can be making her nervous. I am thankfull I heard that thumping ( it was the buck making the noise) and was able to get the kits warmed up before the whole litter died,.
But now, Marsha has shown me she can be very prolific-- she has been re-bred! Little hussy lifted right up. She likes her babies
 
Smart buck for sending the warning thumps.

Definitely something to think about for those bringing "proven" does into their rabbitry. Not just health wise, but making sure they feel "comfortable" in their new surroundings.

Glad to hear Marsha likes her babies and fingers crossed that the rebreeding took.

Karen
 

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