Babie Rabbits

Question
Hi i was wondering if you could help me with a couple of questions.15 days ago i found that my female mini lop had given birth to 5 babies. She's doing really well but this is the first time she has given  birth and i was just unsure on a few things. some of the babies have started to open there eyes and i was woundering when they tend to come out of the nest? also they are in a 5ft cage at the mo but ive just had a bigger one built for mum  and was wondering when i can put them in,? the old cage has a sleeping area fixed in and the new one has one that is movable. so i did nt want to move them til they are running round. Last question, i plan to sell the babies but 1 female and wanted to know if i can just keep this one with mum from the start? will they bond from birth or is there a chance mum wont want baby living with her?
Thanks Kaz

Answer
Hi Kaz

The babies seem to be right on schedule.  They usually open their eyes around 10 - 15 days.  They should be jumping around and out of the nest exploring as soon as their eyes are open.  I generally move the nest box as soon as they are 3 weeks old as long as they are all out of the box and nibbling on hay and pellets.  

A 5 foot cage is big enough for a mother and baby as long as they aren't a really large breed.  I have 4-5 pound rabbits and the mothers birthing cages are only 4 feet longs.  You can move them anytime but I would wait until all the babies are out moving around on there own.  It would probably be best to wait until they are about 3 weeks and move them the same time you remove the nest box.

As for bonding with a female baby, yes it can work.  It works far better than trying to bond 2 males but there have been cases that when the baby reaches maturity that they will fight.  You can try it and see what happens but just be aware that you may have to take them both in to be spayed if any fighting occurs.  I personally recommend spaying for any doe's that aren't used in a breeding program.  Many studies have shown that doe's that aren't fixed have up to an 80% chance of dying from uterine or ovarian cancer.  The data isn't 100% but its certainly not worth taking a risk.

If you have any more questions or I have missed something please let me know.

Thank you

Pam