feed for expecting mama

Heritage Homestead · Apr 10, 2012

Hi,
How much feed would you all recomend for a pregnant Cal doe? My doe eats what I give her, but then still acts like she is starved. I don't want to over feed her. Or is that not a problem for an expecting Mama? Then again I don't want to under feed her and then that possibly hurt the bunnies that are due. Also how much extra should I feed her and for how long after the kits are born.
Thanks,

MaggieJ · Apr 10, 2012

While she is pregnant, she should not need more than usual. Pregnancy does not create huge demands on the rabbit. You could feed extra grass hay to satisfy her need to nibble. (Maybe she has food cravings! LOL)

Once the kits are born, she does need extra. Rabbit milk is very rich and to produce it, she needs lots of nutritious feed. Most people free feed does that are nursing kits.

Heritage Homestead · Apr 10, 2012

Thanks! I was just wondering because this doe hardly ever finishes her feed until after 6 or 7 in the evening and the last couple days she has been cleaning her feed up before 5. I gave her a little extra this evening and she pounced on it.

trinityoaks · Apr 10, 2012

How close is she to kindling? I tend to up their feed a little the last week before they're due.

Heritage Homestead · Apr 10, 2012

She is due Sunday. How much do you give them extra?
Thanks,

trinityoaks · Apr 10, 2012

I generally play it by ear--just seeing how much they will clean up in one day.

Mary Ann's Rabbitry · Apr 11, 2012

It sounds to me she needs more food. Give her normal amount plus half that again and see if she finished it. IF not cut down a bit more. Just before she kindles she will go off feed or slow down allot . so watch for that.

Secuono · Apr 11, 2012

I free feed all my rabbits, other than ones that dump feed, that is. But just like with dogs or cats, they may be pigs and not stop eating. So if you experiment and find out she isn't getting fat and does stop when full, then free feeding will work.

MaggieJ · Apr 11, 2012

I free feed hay (alfalfa with some grass content) but not concentrates. However, with such a short time to go until she kindles, I don't think it would hurt to increase her feed.