I couldn't be more upset about my rabbits. One of my most favored doe breeders is bleeding from her foot today. Back story:
She had no hock problems for the first 6 months I had her (got her at 8 weeks). With cold weather heading in, I decided to give her a "burrow box" with a wooden floor. She is not the only rabbit I'd provided a burrow box. However, she decided to pee in the box and then sit in the pee! This went on for a few days before I discovered what she was doing and it had already caused damage to her hocks. I was so upset (this was several months back in the fall). I pulled her box, removed the flooring, affixed wire as flooring and have kept it stuffed with hay (cleaned, etc.) Her feet appeared to heal. They never had gotten to the point of bleeding back then and I thought this was behind us. They just looked like they were permanently calloused from the ordeal.
However, today I have noticed one of her rear foot pads is bleeding. I have no idea what to do. I am upset because she's a sweetie, a good mama and I am devastated to find she is going to continue with foot problems. I can't keep her as a pet. She's a working doe for me, or so that was my plan. Is there anything I can do to spare her? Has anyone ever successfully dealt with such a problem? I am thinking I should not breed her anymore (she's only ever had one of her own small litters, but she is currently fostering other rabbit's babies thru the reset method).
I appreciate any advice you can give.
She had no hock problems for the first 6 months I had her (got her at 8 weeks). With cold weather heading in, I decided to give her a "burrow box" with a wooden floor. She is not the only rabbit I'd provided a burrow box. However, she decided to pee in the box and then sit in the pee! This went on for a few days before I discovered what she was doing and it had already caused damage to her hocks. I was so upset (this was several months back in the fall). I pulled her box, removed the flooring, affixed wire as flooring and have kept it stuffed with hay (cleaned, etc.) Her feet appeared to heal. They never had gotten to the point of bleeding back then and I thought this was behind us. They just looked like they were permanently calloused from the ordeal.
However, today I have noticed one of her rear foot pads is bleeding. I have no idea what to do. I am upset because she's a sweetie, a good mama and I am devastated to find she is going to continue with foot problems. I can't keep her as a pet. She's a working doe for me, or so that was my plan. Is there anything I can do to spare her? Has anyone ever successfully dealt with such a problem? I am thinking I should not breed her anymore (she's only ever had one of her own small litters, but she is currently fostering other rabbit's babies thru the reset method).
I appreciate any advice you can give.