Not sure if kit is a peanut

[MamaMandy]

I have a litter of 4 Netherland babies that are now 3 days old. Initially they were all the same size but now 1 is large, 2 medium and 1 small. The small one never has a plump belly like the other 3, and doesn't seem to be able to use his back legs. He doesn't have the bulgey eyes, or the small ears set far back on his head that are typical of peanuts though. I've pulled the mama out a few times and let him nurse and he latches well and seems to be getting milk (he had a cute little milk moustache! LOL) but his belly never looks full. Are there any other signs to look for to be sure he's a peanut or not? Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[jessie15273]

http://www.google.com/search?q=peanut+r ... ari#miuv=3

Sorry I am on my phone so no pics so this will do.
They tend to have conical heads also, some times the ears are really set back almost on the neck, and the hind ends seem to pinch off early.

Then there are max factors which usually have twisted weird feet

Then again he just may be a runt and live happily ever after!

Pictures possibly?

 

[MamaMandy]

Thanks for the link! I found one site that said a peanut is usually very listless and won't root around for food when you pick it up. Our little guy is not like that! He frantically searches for food and nurses quite vigorously when I hold the mama for him. His hindquarters do seem quite weak though and that's what worries me. His eyes and ears appear normal. I'm really hoping he's just a runt. I'll try to post a pic tomorrow. Thanks again for your reply.

 

[-HRanchito]

I think you should keep doing what you're doing!

Peanut or no, it may survive and it may not... I don't think you should beat yourself up about it either way. You're breeding for healthy rabbits, and there are bound to be some culls, either by yourself or mother nature.

 

[OneAcreFarm]

What most folks call a "peanut" is usually just a runt or a "fader". From what I have found looking into this, an actual peanut looks like this...

http://www.welshrabbitry.com/images/peanut.jpg

Keep in mind that I do not breed dwarf breeds, so I have no personal experience with peanuts. I am just curious and had to research it.

 

[jessie15273]

What most folks call a "peanut" is usually just a runt or a "fader". From what I have found looking into this, an actual peanut looks like this...

http://www.welshrabbitry.com/images/peanut.jpg

Keep in mind that I do not breed dwarf breeds, so I have no personal experience with peanuts. I am just curious and had to research it.

Poor thing looks like a manatee. I have dwarf rabbits and I think that lil guy is a severe case, he looks really bad. I don't have a whole lot of peanuts , because I breed false dwarf does a lot


Sounds like you just have a lil guy! Maybe just pull em out every now and again for nursing like you have been doing. Good luck

 

[MamaSheepdog]

What most folks call a "peanut" is usually just a runt or a "fader". From what I have found looking into this, an actual peanut looks like this...

http://www.welshrabbitry.com/images/peanut.jpg

Whoa! No mistaking there is something wrong with that kit! I don't think I'll ever look at a bowl of nuts in the same way again.

"Peanuts, ma'am?" "Thank you, but no. I'll have a bag of popcorn instead." opcorn:

 

[MamaMandy]

Well, he certainly doesn't look like the baby in that link. Fader sounds like the right word for him. This morning I found him in the nest box but away from the other kits. He's alive but cold. I was thinking that there's no hope so I didn't try to let him nurse, but after reading all of your comments I may try again. I know these things just happen sometimes,and I'm ok with it, but of course my most tender hearted son has gotten attached to him. <br /><br />__________ Tue May 29, 2012 12:46 pm __________<br /><br />Well, poor little Lucky just passed. My son is handling it fine. I prepared him pretty well that this one just might not pull through. The other 3 babies are thriving and healthy, so we'll focus on that! R.I.P. Lucky

 

[OneAcreFarm]

Aww, so sorry! {{{hugs}}}

 

[rittert3]

I had one that started out like this in my litter of mini lops. I forced the doe to feed her 3 times and by 4 1/2 weeks I could hardly tell her from the biggest kit. Just keep doing what you're doing.