rabbit babies

Question
i came home yesterday to find my new zealand rabbit had babies. i have a few questions. first,im alittle concerned of how many babies she had. she had over 13 babies!! im wondering what are the chances all 13 of them will survive? also can i handle them? and should the mom be laying outside the nesting box for a lond amount of time? thank you,
                         jessica:)

Answer
How large is your New Zealand bunny?
You will be able to quickly handle the kits and then put them back. Don't get the Mother too excited, but she should get used to you handling the kits. I weighed mine everyday to ensure they were gaining. If you buy a scale that weighs in grams then you can do this also. Its the only way to ensure they are gaining weight.
Otherwise, their bellies should look full and round and not sagged. There shouldn't be much loose skin there in the midsection. If there is, or if you know the kit isn't gaining enough then you can buy kittens milk formula and supplement the babies, but if Mom is still doing well and they are all alive, then chances are she will be able to handle the litter. With larger breed rabbits, its not at all uncommon to have a large litter.
Yes Mom is ok to lay outside the nest box. She doesn't stay with them, she'll stay close until feeding time, go in and feed them and then go back out. When they are a week old, they will start opening their eyes and hopping all over the place and Mom won't get a second of rest, so she's getting it while she can.
You will know in a week usually if the babies will be ok. The first week is the most dangerous for them, after that, they will slowly start nibbling on food as well so they will pick their weight up then if they aren't gaining enough now.
Hope this helps Jessica, don't hesitate to contact me for a follow up. It's best if you post in a new question each time because then I can answer you on my phone too.

Alice