Lop Doe isn't nursing kits

[SashaMolly]

Couldn't find anywhere else to post this, so I thought maybe here.
Anyways, I have a lop doe who just had 6 kits. She had them at I think 6 am yesterday. She wasn't nursing them. I know rabbits only nurse their kits once a day, but They appear to be looking dehydrated. I don't really want to bottle feed as they would be likely to get pneumonia. Any tips?
Thanks!

 

[TheLittleBunny10]

this thread is good,
fed-vs-unfed-kit-pictures-t3052.html

 

[AmysMacdog]

The babies need Momma's milk at least at first. The mothers first milk ( colostrum) is very important. You can first try to help her nurse the babies by gently putting her in the box over the babies and see if she will let them nurse. If she has a favorite treat, give her that to distract her while they nurse.

If that doesn't work try flipping her over in your lap and letting babies nurse.

Bottle raising at this age is not likely to be successful, they need their mothers first milk to get started.

Is this her first litter?

I'm not sure how long rabbits produce colostrum. (?) Our goats produce it for about 2 or 3 days after freshening.

 

[SashaMolly]

This is her first litter.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Couldn't find anywhere else to post this, so I thought maybe here.

I think the Rabbit Care forum would be better. I will move it for you.

I know rabbits only nurse their kits once a day, but They appear to be looking dehydrated.

Does nurse once or twice daily, usually at dawn and dusk. Sometimes it takes 24 or more hours for a doe's milk to come in. Hopefully she will start producing soon. This thread has some suggestions for foods that may help her start producing milk:

feeds-to-enhance-milk-production-t5090.html

In the meanwhile, I would recommend bringing the nestbox inside the house overnight where it is warmer so the kits don't burn calories trying to stay warm. When you bring the nest out in the morning she should hop right in and begin feeding them.

Good luck! I hope she is just off to a slow start. :clover: