Popples and Alfalfa cubes

[Demamma]

My little NZW's x Californian's are now starting to nibble their bedding. I sometimes find one out of the nest. I went ahead and put a Alfalfa cube in the nest with them and they are now nibbling on that. Is it all right for them? Also I have a outside feeder with screen hooked up for the mamma. It is placed a bit high. Can the babies stand on the hind feet when they come out of nest to eat or should I get them a crock? I can not lower it any as the cage has a solid metal strip around it. They are so cute. I am watching the biggest one and if it is a doe will keep her. She is the first to do everything. I have been handling it everyday keeping a close eye on it. I sure hope it is a doe or else it will be a bbq. My 13 year old son was looking at the popples today and asked if we are going to eat them. I said yes. He seemed disturbed for a minute then named them Enchalada, Stir fry, BBQ, and Soup. I think he understands.

 

[MaggieJ]

The alfalfa cube should be okay, although I prefer grass hay as a first solid food. You could also put a bit of kitchen oatmeal (large-flake, old fashioned) in the nestbox for them.

Rather than give them a crock, place a brick in front of the feeder so they can reach better. You could certainly use a crock, but I assume they are going to grow up with feeders, so they may as well start out that way.

 

[Demamma]

Thanks Maggie I never thought of a brick.

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I sometimes find one out of the nest.

MaggieJ uses bricks by the nest so they can climb back in. I use cat litter jugs with bedding in them. When the nestbox is removed they still have a cozy place to sleep or hide. I have also fed them in the jugs to keep mama bunny from eating it all.

 

[MaggieJ]

Bricks are very useful for young rabbits. If you are using standard nest boxes, put one at the low end so precocious kits that venture out a bit early can use it for a step up to get back into the box. It is heartbreaking to find a kit dead from chilling because it was easier to get out of the box than back in.

 

[Demamma]

Great ideas. I will go looking for a brick tomorrow. I know there has to be one here somewhere. I like the jug idea. Do you clean it out a lot?

 

[MamaSheepdog]

I like the jug idea. Do you clean it out a lot?

The kits only use it for a couple of weeks, so I only clean it after I take it out. By that point all of the bedding has usually been scratched out, and I haven't ever noticed any urine puddles, just a couple dozen babybunny-berries at most.

I always clean the jugs anyway before giving it to another litter.

 

[Jessykah]

That is very smart! I love the jug idea. Thanks for posting