Doe Freaks out When Kits Leave Nest

[Em Ty]

I've got a first time mother doe who has 4 kits (2.5) weeks old. The kits have been leaving the nest box for the last week and, when they try to nurse outside the nest box the doe gives a kind of crying-grunt and jerks away. She seems upset even when they're not trying to nurse, but when they do, she goes a bit nuts. They're growing just fine, so she seems to be feeding them well.

Is this normal? Is it something she'll get over? Her body condition has gone down, though she gets free-choice pellets (17%), hay and I supplement her with some higher protein crumbles to help her out.

 

[secuono]

Normal.
She's trapped in a cage when in nature, she would be away from the nest all day long and only come near to feed.
Give her a shelf or similar object to be able to jump up away from them to relax.
Some moms never become ok with the kits leaving, others learn to just lay on their stomachs and then the kits can't annoy her.

 

[Bunnylady]

Yep, that's normal. The doe only wants to nurse when she wants to nurse, not whenever the kits think they want to. Does she have any place where she can get away from them?

 

[Pastor Dave]

I agree totally with @secuono
The nest box should come out no later than Day 18. Eye infections can develop in the box if they stay in longer due to unsanitary conditions. They will huddle up and stay warm without the box.
She will continue to allow them to nurse a couple times a day for now, but the kits will watch the doe eat and drink and be copying her real quick. Once they all eat and drink on their own, they do not need to nurse. Mine are usually weaned by 4 weeks and get put into a grow-out pen.

 

[Latestarter]

Greetings @Em Ty from the front range in Colorado Welcome to BYH! Lots of great rabbit folks here... you've met a couple... Good luck with your bunnies! Glad you joined us. Oh, by the way, since nobody mentioned it in the excitement, we all love to see pics of (your) animals, if you have a few to share please and thanks