Hello!

[pyronymph]

Hi! I'm Marty from Pa and this is my 1st post!


My SO and I just got 5 does and a buck (plus 2 other bucks that I think will remain just pets) to breed as meat rabbits, mostly for use as dog food. When we picked them up were told that they were already bred (which we weren't expecting), but the previous owners apparently didn't keep exact records and could only tell us "sometime last month." So I've been watching like crazy. I noticed that one of the does has been less active than the others and she didn't eat anything today. I put a nest-box in with her, just in case.

We had a couple bucks as outdoor pets when I was a child. This is the first I've had does, let alone dealt with birthing, so I've been trying to do as much research as I can.

I would love any tips in this disturbingly uncertain time.

 

[LilFish_JWQueen(:]

Welcome to RT!
Im Jessica and i raise jersey woolies, holland lops and satins in Michigan. I went to PASRBA last year and plan to this year also.

Some does do stop eating before they give birth. Sounds like you just need to watch for her to start pulling fur. Good luck! and dont worry too much im sure she wil be a good mom.

 

[MaggieJ]

Hi Marty! Glad to have you with us. :hi:

Some does do go off their feed shortly before giving birth, but you need to consider also that some rabbits are very stressed by moving and stop eating.

Is she drinking? Sometimes rabbits accustomed to one kind of waterer get confused by a different set-up. If they don't drink, they won't eat... so I recommend giving her a crock of water until she settles in.

You may also need to tempt her appetite, especially if you are feeding a different brand of feed than she is accustomed to. Some grass hay is always a good idea and you could also try a bit of kitchen oatmeal, the large flake kind. Neither of these things will do any harm and they may help.

Be sure to update us and let us know how she is doing.

 

[sommrluv]

Howdy, Neighbor!

I wouldn't be terribly pleased those rabbits were bred if they were already sold to me. Guess there's nothing to do about that one, now, is there! LOL

Do you have nest boxes? Do you need the basic info or any specific questions?

 

[Cattle Cait]

Welcome! I've got Checkered Giants and co-raise American Chinchillas and Palominos with my mom.

Sounds like you're doing everything right. Just keep any eye on those does, "sometime last month" means "any day now" lol.

 

[curlysue]

Hello and welcome,I would check on her often you dont know if she will use the nest box especially being moved this late.im in Pa too.

 

[fuzzy9]

Hello, and welcome!