This is a first so I have to ask. I SWEAR my doe had 6 kits min-morning on 12/15. I've handled and counted them daily. Well yesterday late afternoon I found a 7th kit! Much smaller than the rest. I can't believe I missed a kit in my counting so I'm wondering if it's possible that she popped it out sometime a day or two after giving birth to the initial 6. And if that really can happen and assuming it's the case, what are the odds of survival for this late kit? It's legitimately half the size of its siblings and seemed weak and un/underfed by comparison. But if it's a day or a day and a half younger that makes sense so IDK. it's still hanging on this morning and seems slightly less wrinkled so who knows, maybe it'll make it.
Late Kit???
- Thread starter Phrick
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RabbitsOfTheCreek
Netherland Dwarf Breeder & Well-known Member
I had a Doe once that had a Kit a couple days late and he was born with fur, he was completely fine though
I'd monitor their health and see if they're growing at a normal rate, you might need to single them out a few times so the litter mates don't take all the milk and they don't get to eat
I'd monitor their health and see if they're growing at a normal rate, you might need to single them out a few times so the litter mates don't take all the milk and they don't get to eat
fortunately I have 2 doe that each kindled 6 (or I guess, one that kindled 7 now lol) so at least there are sufficient nipples for each kit to have one, but yes I plan to do a few special feeding sessions. The timing is awful though as we leave bright and early Friday morning for our Christmas travel, sigh. I have a cousin who come and cares for the buns when we go places, but I don't anticipate she'll want to do intensive care like that. I'll still talk to her but if this kit doesn't mightily improve by Thurs night I'm not sure it'll survive.
It didn’t make it. I found it had passed some time this afternoon. It wasn’t COLD but it was very much not alive when found it. Nature did what Nature does, I guess… at least my cousin’s daughter won’t have to find it when she’s caring for them next week!
I had one doe that had six and then a day later had eight in the nest box. I also currently have a doe who kindled 5 days ago, I counted at least six and when I checked them two days later there were only four. I didn't find blood which I think I would have if she ate them. They were all healthy wigglers. It still boggles me. 
i had a doe who kindled a litter of 13 over a period of three days. All survived. Last ones born had some fur already.
you don't always see blood if the doe eats them. If they died, she might have cleaned them up. OR they got out somehow and crawled off. They can go a very long distance when it's warm out.I had one doe that had six and then a day later had eight in the nest box. I also currently have a doe who kindled 5 days ago, I counted at least six and when I checked them two days later there were only four. I didn't find blood which I think I would have if she ate them. They were all healthy wigglers. It still boggles me.
