"Setting Hen" Syndrome

[Random Rabbit]

In a past thread, Someone.. ( i believe it was Jack) Talked about a doe 'setting like a hen in the nestbox'. Well, we are dealing with that again. She's due momentarily and the box needs to be in there. Are there any tips or tricks to keep her from 'setting' ?? She's a big girl and i really don't want the kits to be squished.

 

[MaggieJ]

I don't see the problem if the kits are not there yet. Is she soiling the box, or just waiting in the "delivery room"?

 

[Random Rabbit]

I don't see the problem if the kits are not there yet. Is she soiling the box, or just waiting in the "delivery room"?

She doesn't soil it... more like it's her 'hang-out' place. She did this when she had just the two kits a while back as well. I'm just concerned that she might flatten them .

 

[MaggieJ]

You could try giving her a second box... one for lounging, one for nesting. A lot of rabbits just love a lounging box, even if it is just a cut-down cardboard box.

 

[ladysown]

generally speaking I find the loungers stop lounging in the box once the kits are there, unless the box is big enough for both kits and lounging momma. mommas don't like having those demanding kits squirming underneath them.

 

[Random Rabbit]

Of Course !! When i went out to give her her Own lounge box... she was sprawled out Next to the nest box ! :roll: I swear they are out to drive me nuts !!

 

[sammysue63]

:lol:
I know the feeling I have one that is confusing the heck out of me too.

 

[eco2pia]

I think it is ok--sort of like she is staking her claim on it--this is MY box. she is just saving her spot.

 

[MaggieJ]

Rabbits like to mess with our heads.

 

[Jack]

Mine still does it, she lost 4, had a giant stuck, guess I should be happy it wasn't the first one out.
She does it, but if the kits get insistent, she jump on top of the box, don't really see a problem, I mark them down as ones I worry less about winter breeding.