seperating my rabbits

Question
Dear Dana,

 I have two rabbits male/female. My male has been neutered,but my kids had let them out to play together (ha ha) before the male was neutered. They were in seperate cages at that time. After being neutered and waiting we put them back in their cage together, since they were
very unhappy beeing seperated. I have done a lot of research to make sure that I am prepared for the kindling. Unless it is a false pregnancy.
I need to know will my male rabbit kill or eat the babies if he is in the same cage with mom and babies? I don't want to stess them out any more
But I also want what is best for them. please help.
Thank You,
Karyn

Answer
Dear Karyn,

Male rabbits are actually less likely to harm the babies than their own mother, who can mutilate them if she is stressed and/or inexperienced.  She needs to be spayed for her health, once the babies are weaned.  Please read these articles completely:

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

and

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

The cage needs to be very large, with a nest box and plenty of bedding, if the rabbits are not to become stressed and harm the babies.  Ideally, they should be indoors where they are safe from predators (no such thing as a predator-proof hutch!).  But the cage should be no smaller than 4' x 4' x 3' high for comfort and safety of the rabbits.  An indoor puppy pen is ideal, as long as the slats are close enough together so that crawling babies can't get stuck or get through.

Hope this helps.

Dana