Skipping Weaning? *Quick reply please*

[Teddy2511]

Okay, I have two 7.5 week old kits that are being sold for pets, but I have a small problem.

I haven't been able to wean them yet because I have no cage space; my new cages aren't quite ready for use. I have had several inquiries and I even have someone who would like to pick up one of them up tomorrow.

Would it be safe for the bunny to leave mom at 7 and a half weeks old, not having been weaned officially before hand?
I haven't seen either kit nurse from mom in quite a while and both are eating and drinking fine on their own...

So do you think I should I let the bunny go tomorrow?

And is it alright to send either kit off to their new home without actually separating them from mom first?


**Edit
I do have a temporary box and pen set up that a bunny could be moved into for 1-2 days. That may work as a temporary and short transition from living with mom to living on their own. Should I try that?

 

[PSFAngoras]

I would up them I the other pen for a couple days first, but I would think they'd be okay. I just picked up a six week old NZ under the same circumstances. She was scared of being alone and didn't eat the first day, but she's all cuddles and fat rolls now.

 

[skysthelimit]

there are quite a few states that have laws that animals can't be sold until 8 weeks old. I would not send any bunny home till 8 weeks, and now I don't do it till 12 weeks.

that aside, weaning means they are eating on their own, which does not necessarily mean they have to live on their own. the hollands stayed with their dam until about 4 mos, so do the Jersey Woolies. They are just so small, they could live quite comfortably in the larger cages, and prefer the company. I had a rex trio of dam/dau does I got that were still together at 6 mos.

If they are eating solid food, they are fine, and even then, as long as the dam let's them nurse, some will continue to nurse. I still smell milk breathe on the 12 week old Woolies, though the Rex were removed at 6 weeks.

 

[Prisma]

I'm with sky. Even though I've ended up with younger ones too, never know. Better to protect yourself and have them wait until the rabbit is 8 weeks then risk it. Even if it does cost a sale, peace of mind is worth more than the harm it can do to me any way.

 

[ckcs]

Legal issues aside I'd have no problems letting the rabbit go at 7.5 weeks whether weaned or not. I've never taken a rabbit from their mother and had to put them back.

 

[Teddy2511]

Okay, thanks for the input.
Legally around here, the rules are no sales under 4 weeks old.

Since this little buck is already eating and drinking very well on his own I think I will tell the guy yes, but I'm going to recommend a few extra days of quiet adjustment time for the little guy.

I'm glad to hear that other bunnies younger yet then this one have done fine, though I know some have not, and I'll just hope that everything works out and pray that he settles in quickly.

I also separated the buck into the temporary pen and I'll let him stay there until the guy comes for him. I'm hoping that it will help him get used to living without mom.