doe and kits

Question
i rescued a pet rabbit it had babies nine of them they are 5wks old this sunday they are healthy and eating adult bunny food but mum is getting a little greedy with the food etc ,how old before they can be moved to another hutch and when can they be rehomed .mum bunny was starved by previous owner and locked in a shed for a year i have worked hard to tame her and love her my pet sitter mated her bunny with mine without my consent hence my honey had a brood she does appear to be getting fed up what can i do she has a nice home a good view and hops round the garden happily to have a break she also comes indoors for a while

Answer
Dear Cheryl,

The babies should have access to mama for eight weeks, during which time she will gradually wean them.  But they are too young yet to be without the protection of her antibodies as they make the transition to an adult diet (the most critical time in their lives, when their intestinal flora is changing rapidly).

If you possibly can, keep one of the babies to whom she seems most bonded as a companion for her.  Rabbits thrive in the company of other beloved rabbits.  And I hope when you find good homes for the other babies, that you will adopt them out in pairs and let the adopters know the importance of spay/neuter.  It's not just for baby prevention.  It's for health.  Females have a very high risk of uterine cancer if not spayed.

I hope this helps.

Dana