Help! Cold temps and popples coming!

[The_Dutchess]

Ok so I have two does, a Polish and a Silver Fox. Both are pregnant, and the Polish is an older doe for producing at least, in my opinion. They are both due Wedneday and this week's temps are a high of 40 degrees Fahrenheit. I am worried that they won't be warm enough! Any suggestions? I do have a Jersey wooly buck that I can easily get fur off of, but will the mothers abort the babies if they smell a buck's scent on the fur?

 

[Marinea]

Assuming these aren't their first litters, relax.

Make sure they build good nests and keep an eye out for the kits when they're born. The mothers won't "abort" the babies because of fur smell, but they could avoid the nest if it's in there. Maybe use some dryer lint or puffed up cotton balls if the does don't build good nests. Or you can pluck some additional fur off the does. But for now, you really don't need to do anything but watch for the kits.

After the kits are born, if you are worried about the temps, you can bring the kits in and take them out only for feedings for a while.

 

[The_Dutchess]

Ok, thanks. And it is the Silver Fox's first litter. So I'm more worried about her. Hammie, the Polish doe, is almost being TOO good; she won't eat her hay, she's using it all for the nest. And last time she had a litter she pulled herself completely bald. I forgot to mention, though, that we don't have a barn or anything, we live in the suburbs and they are in hutches.

 

[katiebear]

If you think you need to you can wrap the hutches, a tarp or moving blankets work well, just have the front or bottom open for air flow. I don't think most people worry about the cold as much as wind or rain. rabbits seem to like the cold... :?

 

[cmfarm]

They should be fine. We have been having similar temps. and just had a litter last night. I like to check on them when they are expecting just before bed and early in the morning.