flat hind legs

Question
we have 2 rabbits they gave birth and 2 of the babies were half the size of the others when we took them out of the cage (3 weeks after they were born) to see why they were 1/2 the size we noticed that the back legs were almost flat, to thier bodies. when they try to walk thier butts kinda roll over there heads,they kind of look like they are doing handstands.we seperated the 2 from the rest and trying to take care of them,they eat,they poop and they are very friendly. what causes that and what can we do for them? thank you.yvette

Answer
Dear Yvette,

Let the babies nurse from mama, if possible, even if you have to give them first crack at the nippies.  They need the nutrition.

From your description, it sounds as if they might have splayleg.  If you treat this early, the babies may be able to make a complete recovery.  Instructions for splinting and bracing can be found here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/splayleg.html

If you don't do this, the disability will be significant, and the feet will pretty much fuse in the bad position.  So the soooner you address this, the better.

Please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/surpriselitter.html

and

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html

for more important information.

Hope this helps.

Dana