Obsevrvation

[currituckbun]

Today when I was cleaning out cage pans and sweeping behind the cages I pulled some of the cages outside. One of the cages has my cal/nzw mix and her week old kits in it. It was cool but not cold when I first pulled then out and I did not think anything of it. It took a bit longer than I expected and the cages were out for about an hour. I happened to look and got to observe my doe put both front legs in to the nest box and push the nesting and fur up and over her exposed kits . She basically tucked them in. She even went as far as to step over and bring some material from the back of the nest box to fluff it just so.
Has anyone else ever seen a doe do this? I was totally flabbergasted. :hmm:

 

[MaggieJ]

What a good mommy! Yes, does will do this, but we don't often get to see them at it. Consider yourself privileged!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

Wow, what a neat story! I thought it was mostly the movement of the kits that rearranged the nesting material- I had no idea the does were that attentive after the birth itself.

Lucky you for getting to see such a private moment!

 

[Bramble Hedge]

Oh how amazing and a wonderful thing to see I am sure.

 

[kotapony]

Tucking them in... I never thought about it that way. How adorable. Makes you appreciating having a good mama doe doesn't it?

 

[MaggieJ]

Just because the doe seems to ignore the nest most of the time does not mean she is inattentive. Staying away from the nest except when needed is an instinctual survival strategy for prey animals. Their whole attitude says to predators: "Babies? No babies here."

 

[boundarybunnyco]

thats amazing. my californian doe is like that, she is nursemaiding part of the flemish doe's litter. she pushes the flemish kits up under her belly and licks and nuzzles them while they eat. she is an adorable mama doe.

 

[currituckbun]

Wow! I guess I am lucky. Clover is a good mom she just does not like getting there.

 

[fuzzy9]

What a special thing to see! I've never had the pleasure of seeing that. I do love to see the bond between mom and kit when mom is grooming her kits though, it's so neat.

 

[Miss M]

Wow, how neat to be able to see that! :razz:

 

[MaggieJ]

Does often jump into the nest box after their caregiver checks the nest. I think they are making sure the kits are well covered and not harmed.

 

[Kyle@theWintertime]

Aw, that is very cute!!!