How long do you keep the nest box in?

[trinityoaks]

Today is Day 37 for Pola and Day 35 for Chica. Lots of hay being pushed around and eaten, but not much else. At what point should I give up and try to breed them again? Chica has never been pregnant, as far as I know. Pola has had several litters, but not for me yet.

 

[DevonW]

I'd take it out after day 35, especially if I can't palpate anything, because by then it should be blatantly obvious there is or isn't anything in there.

If they palpate negative at day 35 I'll re-breed them.

 

[trinityoaks]

I'm not sure they'll hold still for a palpating, nor that I could successfully feel anything if they did. I'll give it a try, but it'll have to be tomorrow before I can do it.

 

[MaggieJ]

Being a member of the "Belt AND Suspenders Club" I would leave the nest box in until Day 37 or 38... especially if there is no reason to be in a hurry to take it out. What harm is it doing? And on the off-chance that one of the does is just VERY late, at least they have a place to kindle.

 

[Brody]

if it's truly 37 days I'd pull the box soon but if you aren't sure there is usually no harm in leaving it awhile longer (as maggie says)

Joy chose a permanent litter box to build her nest - it's working well so I'm leaving it alone

(I had cleaned them all out on day 29 and she gave birth that night so it was unused)