Keep doe outside or bring in?

[Hopper32]

Hey all! I have a few questions as we get closer to Harley's hopefully kindling We live in Florida and we keep our rabbit in an outside hutch. It's been cold (55-65 degrees, sorry northerners) the past couple of days and I worry about her having the babies outside. I was thinking of bringing her inside for the last week of her pregnancy to keep her and the kits warm but I'm worried it,would stress her out. Will the kits be ok outside if it's a little chilly as long as they are in the nest box?

She is due on December 6, when should I put in the nest box? Last question. About how big should the box be? I am going to build it and I've gotten a lot of different answers off the internet, does it matter a whole lot? She's a holland lop. Thanks so much!

 

[Marinea]

Those temps are fine for kits. No worries.

If 12/6 is day 31, I would put the nestbox in on 12/3. Day 28 for the box, which should be just a bit bigger than the doe. Make sure you give her lots of hay or straw when you give her the box so she can fix up her nest the way she wants.

If this is her first litter, know that sometimes they don't get it right. It doesn't mean you did anything wrong, it just happens sometimes.

*fingers crossed for healthy kits*

 

[Zass]

I think those temps are rather ideal for outside kindling, so long as they are out of wind and rain.

I leave mine out to kindle in -20, and just bring the nestboxes inside.

 

[a7736100]

Although exposed newborns can die at those temperatures, they'll be fine as long as they're in a nest.

 

[Hopper32]

Thanks so much everyone! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time.

 

[wamplercathy]

As for size of box it would depend on the type of rabbit you have. A box just right for a min lop would be way to small for a nzw. I got this nest box plan from pinterest and has worked well for my nzw does. Just a side note I've only had rabbits for a few months so I'm no expert.

first-attempt-at-nest-boxes-t25954.html

Hope this helps,
Cathy

 

[annatimmerman]

It got down to 47 here in New Orleans and everyone freaked out! I had to remind myself that I had does kindle in Michigan in -10 degree weather no problem. Still put a heat lamp over them for my peace of mind.