about baby rabbits

Question
QUESTION: as of what age can i hold my baby rabbit? mine is about 3-4 days old. i don't know how old it is because we didn't know when it was born but it has alot of fur on it and colour. and it is rather large.

ANSWER: Hi Jules

You can pick it up and check it to make sure it is doing ok and its belly looks full etc but then put it right back in its nest.  Once its eyes are open and it is wandering around out of the nest on its own then you can actually take it out and play with it.  This will help give it a good temperament and make it more friendly.  This way if you are planning on finding it a new home or keeping it for yourself it will make a much better pet.

It is very important that you do pick it up daily and check it even now.  You want to make sure that none of the fur from the nest has got wrapped around its neck, legs, arms or any part of its body and might be cutting off the circulation.  You want to make sure its belly is rounded and that it feels warm and appears happy.  Make sure its ribs aren't sticking out and it doesn't look emaciated.

Congratulations on the baby. I hope that you enjoy your time with it.  Make sure you play with it as much as you can while it is young because they sure do grow fast.

If you have any more questions you be sure to let me know.

Sincerely,

Pam

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

QUESTION: hi again Pam,
well this morning i awoke to go and check on my bunny and it had died. today we tried putting the female back into the males cage and she went so crazy! she sped aroundthe hutch and bit me really hard. and the male was a bit crazy afterwards thumping his foot. what could be wrong? as of when can we put them together to make another baby?

Answer
Hi Jules

I have a really good site for you to read.  I strongly believe that any rabbits that are meant to be mated should not be bonded.  The only time they should be bonded is if they are spayed/neutered.

You are going to go through the whole bonding process again with these two bunnies.  This site also explains this.  The reason it is very important to keep them separate is so that you know when the exact due date is.

I am so sorry about the loss of your baby.  Sadly many baby rabbits die and we just never know whey.  I had one doe that went through 6 litters before she had any babies that lived to be more than a week old.  The 7th time she has a whopping 11 babies and I only lost 2 due to a double dwarfing gene that is always fatal.

Please read this site.  It may help you understand the whole concept a little bit better.

Good luck and I am very sorry about the loss of your baby.

Sincerely,

Pam

http://www.hgrabbitry.com/howtobondmybunnies.htm