First time mommies

[tm_bunnyloft]

Two of my little Does were bred before I got them. Way to young. The people didn't separate them young enough I guess. Well now they are huge fat and due I am sure this week. Will they know how to build a nest and care for the babies? They are only between 3 and 4 months old. How much of a risk are they under now?

Oh my goodness. I am so glad my next bunnies are coming from a reputable breeder who knows what she is doing. I do not want anymore of these messes. :x

What should I do for these girls? It is 80 degrees out again today after being cool and rainy yesterday so they both have ice bottles and they are now in hanging cages by themselves. With nesting boxes, plenty of water, free choice hay, and lots of food. What else can I do for them?<br /><br />__________ Mon Aug 27, 2012 3:49 pm __________<br /><br />These are my cute little magpies that I fell in love with and made me change my mind on Rex. I want them to be ok. They are the sweetest bunnies ever. I am so upset. I want to call these people and tell them how stupid they are.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

They should be fine. A lot of people breed at the first sign of readiness. If they were wild rabbits they would be bred the first time they cycle.

Quite a few members here have found that it is often the older does who have no clue what to do the first time they are bred, while the young does do a great job.

It sounds like they are well provided for- the only other thing I can think to give them would be a Tums for calcium. They like the berry flavored ones, and will eat it if they need it. Good luck, and don't worry!

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Oh shoot. I knew I forgetting something for my little girls. Tums. I will be telling the DH to bring some home from work tonight for sure. Thanks.

I sure hope they are ok. I just love these little girls. I find the magpie Harlis to be the sweetest bunnies.

 

[grumpy]

All of their behavior is instinctual. From building nests to caring for young. I've had more trouble with older first time does than with young does.

Their biggest detriment......is an owner who's toooooooo nosy. LOL. Give them some space, calm down, relax, they'll more than likely do just fine. Intrude into their space a little too much and they're likely to become skittish. That's where the problems begin. The more you attempt to help the more the problems grow exponentially.

I never expect a first-time doe to save one youngster....Most of the time, they do. But, I don't expect them to. Allow them the opportunity to be successful without any intrusion. It's hard to do, I know. But, that's what's best for the young mama's

grumpy.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I go out in the morning to do chores for all animals, mid day I check on everyone, and at night I go out and do evening feeding of everyone on the farm. It is tempting to spend all my time with my bunnies but I can't. I am just a wee bit nervous for my little girls.

 

[grumpy]

I go out in the morning to do chores for all animals, mid day I check on everyone, and at night I go out and do evening feeding of everyone on the farm. It is tempting to spend all my time with my bunnies but I can't. I am just a wee bit nervous for my little girls.

LOL....Nothing wrong with that!! It just shows you care about them and that's okay.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I do, I may eat my bunnies but I still care about them and the breeders end up being pets. I just can't help myself. I explained to my kids that they are for food but we raise them knowing that they had the best possible life while they were with us. And that when it is time to butcher we do it as humanely as possible.

I would keep them all but I also need to feed my family so it is a win win for me to have bunnies.

 

[3mina]

Tm, inhale, hold, exhale, repeat.
Now, don't borrow trouble, if it wants you it'll find you.

 

[Wesley]

If this makes you feel any better I have two litters off young does. One had nine and the other had 6 and both does have not lost a kit and they are nearly 3 weeks old and eating and drinking on their on.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

That is wonderful news. Everyone is making me feel much better. Thank you.