pregnancy in rabbits

Question
QUESTION: I have two does that are pregnant.  They are outside pets and I have no clue on how to care for them in this situation.  The bucks do not share a cage with them and are only together once in a while.  I believe they are about to give birth because they are starting to build a nest.  I have a box in each cage so I am fine there.  How long do I keep the young with the mother?  When can myself and my children see the babies?  PLEASE help me with this.  I have already lost one litter and don't want to lose another.  The first time I did not know that my rabbit was pregnant.  They are my kids rabbits so I do not want to cause harm.

ANSWER: Hi Charity

I bet you she is pregnant since she gets to be with the buck sometimes.  Taking care of them is easy though.

Make sure the mom has a nice box which will be about the size of her with about 1 or 2 inches to spare on all sides.  If you are in a hurry and can't make one out of un-treated wood then you can buy those carry totes (they look like shoe boxes) at wal-mart or other similar department store.  Line the bottom of the box with hay.  If she has already started to make the nest then you want to use the fur she has already pulled.  Place the box in the exact area where she placed it if possible.  Then all you have to do is let her do her thing.

Please don't be surprised if you lose another litter, but it seems this time that she has a clue.  First time mothers sometimes get confused and don't know what to do.  I have had mothers scatter them all over their cages on the first try.

You and only you should check each babe within 24 hours after they are born.  If any are dead remove and discard them immediately.  Your children can take a peek but don't let them touch them.  You don't have to worry about the mom killing them or whatever if you pick them up.  Since you are her primary caregiver she is used to your scent.  Even wild rabbits won't kill their young if they have been touched by humans.

Within 2 or 3 weeks they should be walking around and they will have their full coats of hair.  Then you can let your children hold them but you need to supervise.  Those babies are wiggly little buggers and its best to do it sitting on the ground so that if by chance they do fall it won't be so traumatic.  Even experts sometimes have a hard time.  I dropped one of my babies when it was a few days old.  Fortunately it didn't die but it sure did scream when it hit the cement.  My friend jokes with me because both babies look exactly alike and I say I don't know which one it is.  She says you will know when they get bigger because it will be the one that is learning disabled, poor little bunny.

Let nature take its course.  Baby rabbits have an alarming high rate of fatality but by providing the proper care to the mom and giving her comfort they have a chance.

It is imperative that the babies not be weaned until they are 7 1/2 weeks to 8 weeks old.  They may seem to be taking care of themselves but they still need their mothers milk.  The normal bacteria of the gut doesn't develop until between 5 and 7 weeks old, so they rely heavily on their mothers milk to ward off infections.

Also make sure the mother is free fed pellets and hay all the time.  Any nursing mother should be allowed to eat as much as it wants.  Just no veggies or treats because the babies might get their hands on them and they are way to young for veggies.

I hope this helps and I hope you have happy healthy babies.

If you have any other questions about care, feeding, whatever!! please let me know.
Pam

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

QUESTION: How long do I keep the babies with their mom?  Also when can I add veggies and treats to the diet of the babies.  I do not want to harm them in any way.  So far there is no babies yet, but I want to get all info as soon as I can.  Thank you for all your help.

Answer
Hi Charity

The babies need so stay with their moms until they are 8 weeks old.  They will start wandering about and eating pellets and hay at about 3 weeks.  Their GI systems don't completely develop until they are between 5 and 7 weeks old, so they still rely on their moms milk for anti-bodies until they are right around 7 1/2 weeks old.

Don't let the babies have any veggies until they are about 5 -6 months old.  If you want to give the mom her daily treat veggies while she still has her litter, it is best to take her out for a while to eat her supply.  She can stay away from them for up to 12 hours and it won't hurt her.  I personally wouldn't leave her away for more than an hour or 2.



I am sure you will be a fine rabbit mom.  At least you care enough to ask.

Good luck

Pam