False kindling? Leave the box for a while?

[Charliehooks]

Day 27 two does were digging at the bottom of their cages. Threw in hay and they mustached so I put in the nest boxes. Came out this morning to find this no kits in sight. Is hope gone or do I wait a while? The first doe is standing outside her nest box like she's onto something the other (messy) one is hopping in and out of her nest box continuously

 

[RabbitsOfTheCreek]

They're due at 31 days and they can have them a few days before that or a few days after that

 

[MaggieJ]

RabbitsOfThrCreek is right. Your does are not quite due yet, and their behaviour is exactly what it should be at this time. Always leave the nest box in the cage at least several days after Day 31. So many times I have heard of someone pulling the nest box too soon and their doe -- out of necessity -- kindling on the wire a day or two later.

 

[MuddyFarms]

That is great that they were hay-stashing! They even pulled a little fur! Like the others already said, definitely wait until around day 36 or longer before taking out the boxes, but I would think they are still going to kindle. My does all vary when they start building nests. Yours are definitely doing it at a good time in their pregnancy. That is a fun time! Mine often kindle between day 30 and 32, with first-timers often being around noon on day 32. Hope it goes well for your does!

 

[KelleyBee]

Yep, just hang in there. No harm can be done by leaving the boxes a few days past due. you’ll find some does kindle later than others. Keep “gestation days” records and soon you’ll know better what to expect from your does.

 

[Charliehooks]

Thanks for the help! One of the does are using the nest box as a litter box what does that mean? I also don't think I originally put enough hay in both of them since they're both packed down is it ok to add more to the box on-top of the hair they already pulled or do I put it on the outside and let them do their thing?

 

[MuddyFarms]

You can pick up the hair, add the straw, and put the fur back on top. I have had some does use the box as a litter box. They did it up until they kindled in it, and then stopped. I put cardboard in the bottom to help cover the floor of the box, and clean the box out every day until she kindles. It can be an annoying issue. One of the does only did it before her first litter, and not with subsequent litters. When it is warmer out, I will put in a wire nest box with some straw in it and no cardboard liner so the urine goes though it. Then I clean it and line it with cardboard once the kits arrive. I wish there was an easier way to get them to stop!

You can also make sure the nest box is not in their potty corner, but they will sometimes do it even if it isn't.