Abandoned kits

Question
Hi,

I have a conti giant doe who has just given birth, it's her first litter.
She didn't make a nest, didn't clean them, hasn't been anywhere near them as yet.
I have gathered them up and put them in a nest, in the hope she does show some interest. (I did rub my hands in her bedding ect before picking up the kits, even then I tried to scoop them up without touching them too much.)

But she just laid down and watched me, she wasn't at all bothered that I was there. Which is slightly worrying as my rexes are very protective of their nests.
I have left her to it tonight in the hope she will feed them tonight at same point.
If when I check up on them in the morning and she hasn't touched them, what should I do?
I've heard hand rearing should be a last resort, but when should it be taken as the right thing to do, if it is at all?
I've also been told to drown them, leave them, ect.
Which I can't do, obviously I want them to survive and know their bast chance is with mum. But would really like your advice should mum decide she's not up for motherhood this time.
Many Thanks

Answer
hi if the mother is not feeding them the only thing is to hand rear them but it is a very hard task as they will need milk every 2 hrs to start with.
don't expect to see her feeding them she will do it when all is quite.first check them to see if there stomachs are full if so just let her get on with it.
dave.