sick babies

Question
why do some litters of babies of 4 to 6 weeks old take like a swollen/watery type belly then some recover some die all rabbits on versalaga pellet food and some litters are fine they do get fresh hay 3-4 times a week just don't know what causes this can you help?

Answer
Hi Barrie

It is called enteritis.  All young rabbits are susceptible but those that are taken away from their mothers before 8 weeks are more susceptible.  If the babies are not being kept with their moms until they are 8 weeks this could be the reason.  You may also have coccidia in your herd.  This is contagious and although some rabbits get it others may not.  The best thing to do is to take some fecal droppings from any sick rabbits to a vet for analysis.  

Although it is not uncommon to lose a baby or two a year on a large farm if you have a persistent problem you really need to have your animals examined by a vet for all the common parasites and problems that rabbits can carry.

You can read about enteritis and coccida here:

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

Sincerely,

Pam