Worried my kits arnt being fed!
- Thread starter Daze
- Start date
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Newborn kits do look a bit"rough" it takes a few days to begin plumping up.
I judge by IF i feel heat when i put my hand near them... they are doing ok.
A doe will not stay with the young like dogs and cats do. Being prey animals they try to stay away except for feeding times (once or twice a day) to avoid bringing attention to the nest.
I judge by IF i feel heat when i put my hand near them... they are doing ok.
A doe will not stay with the young like dogs and cats do. Being prey animals they try to stay away except for feeding times (once or twice a day) to avoid bringing attention to the nest.
At three days old, I think you'd be aware if they were getting nothing -- they'd be on the point of starving out. And Random Rabbit is right that they can take a few days to start looking prosperous.
I'll post two links for you and for others who may be facing this question. The first has pictures of fed and unfed kits (my own from years ago) and the second has Homer's excellent recipe for hand-feeding kits. I doubt you'll need it this time, but it's good to be aware of it all the same.
fed-vs-unfed-kit-pictures-t3052.html
updated-hand-feeding-formula-t27372.html
Sometimes, with a clueless first-time momma, it is worth giving momma a hand so she learns what she is supposed to do. Some people hold the doe in the nestbox so that the kits have a chance to latch on. It can be a bit tricky if the doe resists. Another way is to sit on a chair with your legs a little apart and spread a towel over them, so there is a little pouch to hold the kits. Once they are in there, place the doe on your lap and stroke her to reassure her. This helps to prevent injury to the kits if she kicks.
Good luck! :good-luck: And please post an update so others can learn from your experience.
I'll post two links for you and for others who may be facing this question. The first has pictures of fed and unfed kits (my own from years ago) and the second has Homer's excellent recipe for hand-feeding kits. I doubt you'll need it this time, but it's good to be aware of it all the same.
fed-vs-unfed-kit-pictures-t3052.html
updated-hand-feeding-formula-t27372.html
Sometimes, with a clueless first-time momma, it is worth giving momma a hand so she learns what she is supposed to do. Some people hold the doe in the nestbox so that the kits have a chance to latch on. It can be a bit tricky if the doe resists. Another way is to sit on a chair with your legs a little apart and spread a towel over them, so there is a little pouch to hold the kits. Once they are in there, place the doe on your lap and stroke her to reassure her. This helps to prevent injury to the kits if she kicks.
Good luck! :good-luck: And please post an update so others can learn from your experience.
My first few times, I would withhold the nest box and only put it out early in the morning and at dusk for about 15 minutes each time, checking the kits before and after. If any kits looked unfed, I would take the smallest ones and use one of Maggie's methods to get them fed. Best of luck!
