When/how should I check the kits?

[beccaboo]

Some of you may remember my problem with the stuck kit in february? those 2 babies died, unfortunately.

But, my little Juliette had 3 healthy looking wriggling babies last night! I went to bed after I discovered them a little before midnight (didn't want to disturb her, she is in my room) but there is a lot more fur over them this morning and I can't see them anymore.

I want to check, but am afraid of stressing her out because this is her first litter (not counting the one we lost).

Any advice from you guys would be helpful- I want to make sure we have good healthy babies this time around. Thanks in advance.

 

[siddsaysgimmie]

I check mine as soon as they are born - even my first-timers couldn't care less. When it's cold out I actually take the nestbox to my room and keep them there until they are 2 weeks old (I bring them down to mommy once a day to eat).

I check on mine at least twice a day.

 

[beccaboo]

I didn't want to check right when I found them last night because I wasn't sure if she had more on the way or not.

But I read somewhere about washing your hands first, wearing gloves, etc? I don't want to do something wrong and lose them. But all 3 I could see were moving last night- now they're covered in too much fur for me to see.

 

[Dood]

I have yet to have a rabbit reject a litter due to human handling, even with skitzy mothers, ones who were territorial and the kits just a few hours old.

I wouldn't worry about it and you want to get any still-born kits or uneaten after-births out of there before they foul the whole nest.

 

[beccaboo]

yep, there's 3 little wriggly babies in there. She jumped out of the cage and proceeded to pace the floor around it until I backed off, but she is fine now after a treat.

 

[Teddy2511]

I would check the litter.

If your bunny knows you (which she should), she should have absolutely no problems with you taking the nest out and checking on everyone. I like to check mine at least once a day and hold each one while the nest is out; both to check on them and also get them used to being handled.
A first time mom may or may not be more worried about you checking on the kits than any other bunny, but if you do feel that she is too worried you can always give her treat on the other side of the cage to keep her busy while you are doing your check-up.

 

[Demamma]

I check the nests as soon as I notice the kits arrival. After that I check nests at feeding time or whenever I want to see them. I usually give momma a treat. Dandelion weeds hay or such. Now is the time also to give your doe extra pets since there is a hormone released after birth that relaxes her to help Her bond with her kits. When I check nest I pick up each kit and examine it. Sometimes if 're l cute give a kiss on the head. I do not mask my scent with anything. I do not wear gloves. Have fun and take pictures.

 

[beccaboo]

Thanks, everyone.

I did take a few pictures when I checked them but momma was anxious so I just checked real quick to make sure there wasn't any dead kits or leftover afterbirths and such. I will check more thoroughly later to make sure they are getting fed.

 

[mystang89]

I used to worry about the same thing w/the does rejecting the kits but it never happened. I used to do the whole baby powder or vanilla to the nose thing. Thinking back to it and I see it was a waste of time, but better safe than sorry.

 

[AmysMacdog]

Congratulations!!
I check mine when find them and if the weather is cold, I pick the box up and bring it in the house. Even my new Mommas don't mind!

 

[MamaSheepdog]

In mild weather I check nests once daily, but when it starts getting hot, it is important to remove any dead kits quickly to prevent further losses.

The first few days I make sure to have a nice treat for the doe to distract her. My current favorite is parsley, because it helps the uterus to contract and also helps with milk production.

I have found that handling the little ones makes them friendly adults. Plus it just makes me happy.