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breeding after babies die

22 9:43:30

Question
I have a black polish doe and a blue polish buck.  The doe has had 2 successful litters. I bred her with the blue polish for the first time.  I found her 4 days ago with two dead babies next to her.  They were cold and looked like she had not tried to clean or care for them.  I removed the dead kits and let her rest.  A few hours later I picked her up to clean the cage and found a kit stuck half way out.  It was dead and I had to pull it out.  When the kit came out it was followed by fluid and the afterbirth.  She cleaned herself up and has been eating and fine since then.  I was told to breed her again in 3-4 days.  I bred her today which is day 4.  I am concerned about the advice I received.  The rabbits are part of my granddaughters 4-H project and this is her first year.  Your thoughts?

Answer
Hi Nadine,

I would not recommend that you breed this doe again.  There was clearly an issue with the baby being to big to pass on its own.  I strongly recommend that you have her spayed ASAP.  If you are unable to do that I suggest that you keep a very close eye on her when she is ready to kindle and have a rabbit savvy vet on standby should any issues arise.  Here is a list of rabbit savvy vets by state:

http://www.rabbit.org/vets  


I wish I had been able to answer you sooner.  Even if you get her spayed now the embryos are not fully developed kits yet.  It is sad to consider but it is better than the alternative of possibly losing your pet.

Good luck

Pam