death of a litter

Question
QUESTION: A week ago one of our females had a litter of 6 kits, we checked them everyday to make sure that none of them died. they were fine one day then when we checked the nest box the next evening the whole litter was dead why?

ANSWER: Hi Dana,

There is no real way to know what happened.  It is unlikely that a genetic mistake could affect all the kits.  It is also unlikely that any bacterial or viral issues could have taken them all at basically one time.  While we do not breed here, we do have friends that do.  Normally when I have seen this in rabbitries, multiple losses of kits are usually due to being either stepped on or smothered by their mother...and it's usually the first litter or two that we have seen this.  The other thing we have seen is hypothermia....they got too cold.  Kits (like all baby neonates) are unable to regulate their own body temperature.  Since mom doesn't stay with them, they rely on a well constructed nest and each other to maintain warmth.  I do primarily wildlife and baby rabbits, squirrels, opossums and most birds require supplemental heat....even at room temperature inside a house.  We provide supplemental heat to all mammals until they are fuly furred with eyes open.

I suspect the cause of this tragedy was either being stepped on or smothered by their mother or possibly hypothermia.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: is there someone you can refer me to that can answer questions about breeding rabbits? This is a new thing we are trying to do and sometimes we have alot of questions. We have 16 does and 1 buck and some are doing good with their litters, but we had 1 today that had her whole litter that was stilborn so we need a little help to guide us. We want to do this right and have a good set up.

Answer
Amazing just how fragile these little guys are isn't it?  It shows quite plainly how many things have to come together at just the right time to produce life.  Rabbits are about the most fragile of species to raise.  With wildlife, very few rehabbers will even attempt to hand raise a "pinky" cottontail.  Domestics are almost as fragile.

If you are in the US, I would suggest contacting the American Rabbit Breeders Assoc.  The web address is www.arba.net  I just went over to their site and it appears their site is doing some updating.  When that site is back up (in a few days according to the site) you should be able to find information there.  There are also regional and local chapters all over the US.  Many 4-H clubs have ties to ARBA. You can also make good breeder contacts at many fairs and festivals but unfortunately the fall season for festivals has pretty much ended for this year.  There are several open forums on the internet you might find offers lots of good information.  I suggest you check out Rabbits Online at www.rabbitsonline.net  I am a moderator in the "Infirmary" section.  There are also sections on general rabbit info, nutrition and behavior and breeding.  There are some very knowledgable people all over this forum and is the best open forum I have seen.

There is another site that might be of help with husbandry and care.  This particular group is not so keen on breeders but it could provide you some excellent information.  It's the House Rabbit Society.   www.rabbit.org  I think some of their beliefs and thoughts are sort of extreme sometimes, nonetheless still some good information on general care and health issues.

As a rescue, we do not breed here but I am not anti-breeder.  I know some very good breeders that do everything they can to breed responsibly and have quality rabbits.  Some of the younger breeders are much more open to veterinary advice.  Some of the older ones don't trust vets....and as much as I respect vets...I can understand their mistrust.  But slowly, we are getting more rabbit savvy vets out there.  And I personally applaud you for your desire to do the right thing.  Good luck.