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how soon to spay after birthing

22 10:30:34

Question
Hi there
A domestic feral rabbit has been living in our field for about 9 months but 4 weeks ago she had a litter of 5 in our garage which we used to let her in and out of, often leaving the door open for her and feeding her. Once we realised what had happened we checked on the kits. After about 48 hours, they scattered and we realised they were cold and although we didn't want to interfere we had to. We warmed the babies up and put a hot water bottle underneath a towel. Unfortunately all but one died. The mum was happy enough for us to take the baby indoors during the day and bring it out in the evening, then again in the morning for her to feed. She would be waiting outside the garage for us (we had to keep it shut the rest of the time in case next doors cat got the babies) Anyway, the little one has grown and seems to be very healthy and friendly. After 3 weeks mum stopped feeding it, so we had to wean it quickly although it had only just started taking solids. It seems quite happy with this and we are just giving it pellets for juniors and small amounts of vegs. Then we realised why mum had stopped feeding when she started nesting in our garage again! She has just had another litter of 7 and we are keeping her trapped in the garage as we now realise she could get pregnant again straight away. My question is, how soon can we get her spayed so this doesn't happen again. Even though she is not our rabbit she seems to be wasting away with all this breeding and we want to help her out (and get our garage back!) We are worried that if we do it too soon her milk will dry up. However, she doesn't like being inside and is deperate to go out again. Help!

Answer
Dear Alison,

We've had females spayed within a week of giving birth.  This should not affect lactation and feeding, since the hormone that induces milk production (prolactin) is produced in the anterior pituitary, and is not affected by spaying.

You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

But since she is so wild, I'd ask for a bit of valium to give her before you take her in, just to reduce her stress.

I hope you'll consider adopting her.  Since she has been dumped by an uncaring person who no longer wanted her, her time is short unless she is taken in by caring people such as yourselves.  Wild rabbits do not do well in captivity, but domestic rabbits--even feral ones--cannot live long in the wild.  They soon succumb to starvation, parasites, and predators.

Since she's already thin, provide her with as much food as you can, as per:

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

She will eventually calm down, especially once she's spayed.  Once she realizes that she has a good meal ticket and safe place with you, she will likely stop wanting to get away, especially if she's litterbox trained and can live in the house as a happy rabbit should.  You can get all the information you need here:

www.rabbit.org

Don't think she's happier being "free."  What she really is is "food" until she's safe inside with you.  I hope you'll be able to save and nurture her.

Take care, and thank you for being there for her.

Dana