Kits first foods. Pics added 11/9

[tm_bunnyloft]

So this is my next question of the many I am sure to come up with.....

Should I clean out the old bedding and put new in now or just put the oats right on top along with the hay?

There nests dont seem to be wet or anything. And the hair is really mixed in with the care fresh too. So I would have a hard time saving out fur for them. They would be stuck with a nest of care fresh, old fashioned rolled oats, and timothy hay that I am cutting into three inch pieces. I'm hoping with it cut up if it gets in the tray it will be easier to suck up with the shop vac when I am cleaning the trays.

 

[Bad Habit]

When I redo the nests, I just dump it all and replace with fresh hay... however I do have all my rabbits inside, so no worries about them getting chilled.

 

[Secuono]

I never redo a nest unless it's soaked. No reason to change a dry nest..

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Also If I choose to keep the kits out from the moms cages and just put them in for feeding now, how often would I need to put them in the cage to nurse? Is it a bad idea to do that at this point. I worry they will get drug out of the nest now because I found one on the wire today. They are popping around like crazy jumping beans these days. Also I don't want the mom to eat all of their oats and hay every day and they not get enough.

__________ Tue Nov 06, 2012 7:50 pm __________

All of my rabbits with kits are indoors now. Its so darn cold out there and I got tired of losing entire litters.

It isn't wet but it is smelly. The care fresh keeps it pretty dry.<br /><br />__________ Tue Nov 06, 2012 7:51 pm __________<br /><br />I added some hay to the nest and some of them went right to nibbling. So I added the oats tonight too.

 

[AnnClaire]

TM, I keep the litters in all day during the second week and return the nest box to the doe at night. The third week I keep the kits inside all the time except for feeding: early morning and sundown.

In the second week, I line an oblong laundry basket with a towel and put shallow bowls of water and oats in with a bit of hay. I also put a smaller towel in so the kits can huddle under that for warmth. I also wake them up during the day as I go by just to get them used to people.

Generally, by the third week, they have graduated to the indoor corral ... I take the large cereal cardboard boxes and duct tape 4 together and duct tape a liner made from empty feed bags. I also provide a "bunny condo" of cardboard boxes for them to snuggle in ... they really like it when we add the second and third storey

In the indoor corral, I put 2 piles of hay ... one under the food/water bowls and one in the corner where they decide to pee. This makes it easier to clean up and keep the smell down and if they spill the water (which they will LOL), the hay will absorb it and keep their feet dry. To clean, simply wipe down with a mixture of vinegar and water ... it is not going to harm them Also, be sure to provide a mineral block. At this time, I offer oats, pellets and hay.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Thank you for all the great information. I think I will follow this fairly closely.

 

[ollitos]

Once the kits are born, I remove any soiled bedding - hay and shavings. Then every couple days, I remove wet bedding. When I'm consistent about it, we never get nestbox eye. But I have been at the farm as much for these past few litters and we have nestbox eye. Once their eyes are open, I remove the hay and shavings except for a minimum of hay to help them stay warm.

As soon as they are out of the nesting box (usually by day 14 at the latest), I put pellets and grass in the hutch with them so they have easy access to food.

 

[Bad Habit]

I... don't do anything different. At all. I fill the food dish more frequently, and make sure the water is kept topped up, but other than that? No difference. No special feeding or care. Just clean the nest box regularly, probably once a week or more if needed.

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

The little buggers are getting out of the nest box and they are so little their legs go right through the wire. Then they are stuck. That is not going to work at all. So I have moved them to a large laundry basket. I will put them in the nest box morning and night and return them to momma's to nurse. I have a pack and play that I will be setting up for them to go in once they are another week or so old. And that is where they will live until either A: they go to new homes, Or B: they move up to an adult cage if they are staying here. There are two that I am keeping an eye on, that I may keep. We will see what they look like at 8 weeks before I make up my mind.

 

[AnnClaire]

TM - we need photos of them in their new home(s) :bouncy:

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

I can do that. I have them in a clothes basket for now. And am working on a larger spot for them to go in before the next week is out. <br /><br />__________ Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:30 pm __________<br /><br />You ask for pics and I am more than happy to oblige.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

ACK!!! My blood sugar is spiking! Medic! MEDIC!!! :doc:

That's a really neat water bowl, by the way. Where did you get it?

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

Walmart. lol
I use them for food in the cages too. I need to pick up a few more actually. They hold a 1/2 cup of pellets or feed. Perfect for the small breeds.

 

[AnnClaire]

Awwww, ain't they just the cutest at this age??? :lol:

Looks just like my laundry basket when kits are 2 weeks old

The play pen looks great, but you can take the tubs out as they are just taking up floor space ... I would recommend a cardboard box with a hole cut near one end for them to get in and out of. And the cardboard bottom liner is great. I use open feed bags (the multi-purpose tyvek bags) and duct tape them together to cover the bottom of my cardboard boxes and up the sides. Remember, these guys are figuring out they have TEETH and will be trying them out on EVERYTHING they can get ahold of :bouncy:

Also, if you take them outside for some run time, be sure to provide a hidey hole as they will chill very easily otherwise.

Aren't baby bunnies soooo much fun!

 

[tm_bunnyloft]

They aren't going in the play pen for another week. I just set those totes in their because I needed them out of my way. I'm gonna have to save some grain bags to line the play pen with too. Thats a great idea.

Teeth!!! Yeah Right!!! I went to pick one up the other day and it bit me!!! vicious little cutie!! lol

Unfortunately it is to cold here for any outside fun time since its only in the 20's most days now. Its a little to soon if you ask me.

I am loving all the little babies. I wish I could keep them all. But that would be way to many. I wish the pics of the little harli and magpie flemish giants would've shown up better. They are such chubby little things. Just like a chubby little baby. I can't resist.

By the end of the next week we will be down to Jersey Woolies, and the Flemish giant project. And one litter of rex if they make it.

I love love love having bunnies.