Help....No Milk

[tm_bunnyloft]

So KK is a terrible momma. She didn't pull any hair so I plucked her belly and used the fur for the kits.

So I just checked on the kits and they have not been fed. She jumps and wont let them nurse. And I don't believe she has the milk to feed them. They wont stay latched on to nurse and she doesn't express but a drop in two of the 7 nipples she has.

So what can I give to her to help her milk come in. First time momma's are no fun!!!!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I had the same question a while back. Take a look at this thread:

feeds-to-enhance-milk-production-t5090.html

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Thank you.

 

[Mary Ann's Rabbitry]

I give pure alfalfa hay. She will get more milk in a day or so.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I read parsley and raspberry too.
I will go get some alfalfa from the barn now and parsley when I head to town in a bit.

 

[mystang89]

I think someone responded to Frecs thread about trying to dry up milk supply. He was going to use parsley and they said not to, that parsley helps with lactation.

 

[OneAcreFarm]

I think someone responded to Frecs thread about trying to dry up milk supply. He was going to use parsley and they said not to, that parsley helps with lactation.

Yep, that was me :mrgreen: and parsley does INDEED help support lactation!

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I put parsley in with both does. Now let's hope they eat it and make milk.

 

[mystang89]

"Got milk?" ....they need a smiley with a milk mustache or at least a cow one. opcorn: Had to use something

 

[Demamma]

How long ago did she birth? I know with humans our milk does not come in strong till later. Are rabbits the same? If she just had them it might take a few days for her milk to come on strong. Just a thought.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I will check again tonight. The kits suck but don't really latch on. Then the stop and hunt around for a new nipple. There is one determined kit that will latch on and suck but then she jerks away. I wonder if I could hold the other momma for them to nurse even a little this evening. Just give them enough to carry them till she gets milk? The other momma has lots of milk.

 

[OneAcreFarm]

I will check again tonight. The kits suck but don't really latch on. Then the stop and hunt around for a new nipple. There is one determined kit that will latch on and suck but then she jerks away. I wonder if I could hold the other momma for them to nurse even a little this evening. Just give them enough to carry them till she gets milk? The other momma has lots of milk.

Yes, you can do that...I do it whenever I need to.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I will do that tonight then if she doesn't have milk yet. They seem weak compared to the younger litter. and im determined not to lose a single kit. Im so excited to have gotten 4to shaded. I plan to see them with hair and eyes open.

 

[ZRabbits]

TM,

I read on another thread about KK's abilities of of producing milk. You made a statement that kind of sparked a memory with Luna's start. I think you may have something about First Time Mom's and slow starting of the production of milk. Luna had that same problem. The kits were being fed, but not enough. I took MamaSheepDog's advice about the "treat" after kindling, of parsley. She got a lot and by the 3rd day, I started seeing rounder bellies. And now at 3 weeks, they are thriving.

I'm totally new to this and have no advise about fostering. Only what I've read, but am finding it really needs to be studied if I plan to continue. But since I didn't have a foster, I had to let nature take its course.

Karen

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Ok KK still doesn't have much milk and Good Shots Kits are super fat, So I swapped litters on them. Hopefully Good Shot feeds the smaller kits and gives them a chance. And maybe just maybe the bigger stronger kits will nurse well enough to get KK's milk to come in. Its worth a shot.

KK gets one more chance in the future to be a good momma and thats it. If she doesn't do 100% better next time she is outta here. This is ridiculous. I know its not her fault but still, I need good does not this mess.

 

[AnnClaire]

TM - the kits will suckle on one teat and then move to another ... that is their way, so don't worry about the kits switching places at the milk bar