I don't know what to do

[Cohen Rabbitry]

Ok, here's the deal..I bought a Castor Doe that was expecting her first litter. Was told she was due on the 5th. I put a nest box in on day 29 and she used it as a litter box everytime I changed it. So, on day 33 I removed it. Well, on the 9th (yesterday) I had a doe that I knew was going to kindle (and she did) Well the same day this doe (Kelilah) started making a nest in the corner but not pulling fur. So to ammuse her and I (and just in case) I put the nest box in. Well, she took everything out of the box and was placing in the same corner as before. So I moved the nestbox to that corner. She started building her nest. Since the other doe was nearby I thought maybe she was getting confused with the hormones or something. Several hours later she started pulling fur, but not much at all. I thought this was just a false alarm. The other doe kindled and about 15-30 minutes after that Kelilah stayed in the box and was literally burying her nose in the nest, making it almost like a cave shape. Thought nothing of it since she didn't kindle. I checked on the other does kits and looked in Kelilahs box as well and didn't see any movment so decided to go to bed. This orning everything was good. Kelilah wasn't in the box, so this afternoon I decided to take the box out. After looking in the box (thank goodness I did) I found 1 tiny castor buck. He was warm, but not as warm as he should have been. and it didn't look like he has a full belly (maybe he does though) The was chopping his lips as if to look for food though. I moved him to the other does nest since it was a much fuller nest and had 4 kits in it to keep him warm. I grew concerned, knowing that the other doe fed her litter not too long ago and they all had very full bellies. So I took Kelilah and flipped her over so he could feed. I don't think her milk has come in though because he would latch on for a second and then go off. I tried several times in several locations to no avail. So, I got the other doe and flipped her over and after trying several times it seems like he drank about 5 drops. I don't know if I should worry or not. He is smaller than the others. Please tell me what you think, and what I should do. Thank you.

The broken black is from the other does litter and all her kits are this size. The smaller one is Kelilahs kit

Thank you again. All help is welcomed.

Rachel

 

[MaggieJ]

He may not have been warm enough at that point to nurse. They cannot digest milk if they are chilled. I'm not sure what you can do except try again later and hope for the best. Hope he makes it.

 

[ladysown]

give him a shot. as long as kits are warm, they can go without feed for a day (until momma's milk kicks in)

I'd put him in with the other doe and IF you want his momma to raise him, twice a day put him and a litter mate in the nest box and stick his momma in the box if she doesn't go in on her own. The extra milk will give him a kick start and won't hurt the other kit. Once fully furred, I'd let momma raise him (if you take that route) otherwise leave him with the other litter and let nature take it's course...those small runty ones will often surprise a body.

 

[pastelsummer]

he is so cute! i hope he makes it

 

[Devon's Mom Lauren]

He looks like a peanut sorry

 

[Cohen Rabbitry]

Update: He is still alive, but I agree that he is a peanut. I have tried to get him to nurse, but he latches on and then gets right back off. Eventually after about 5 minutes he wasn't even trying anymore. I think it is only a matter of time. Sad, though

Rachel

 

[billylilwigeon]

Help the kit wherever and however you can, but otherwise just let nature take its course.

It may not be what you wanted to hear, and it may sound cruel, but nature is like that.

 

[Cohen Rabbitry]

Update: The peanut didn't make it. He dies yesterday morning. Barely 72 hours old. I knew it was going to happen, but it doesn't make it easier. But, he isn't suffering anymore so, it is for the best. Thank you everyone for your wonderful advice!

Rachel

 

[MaggieJ]

Sorry he didn't make it, but he was so tiny... so it's hardly surprising. If he was a true peanut they do not survive anyway, so it's best he is not longer struggling. It's tough, I know, but it is all part of raising rabbits.