doe still bulding nest

[abamadacort]

I am new to this forum so please bear with me if this question has been asked before. Ihave a 2 yo giant Flemish doe who kindled last night but is still going in and out of the nest box with building material. She keeps digging and scratching and I am afraid that she is going to harm her kits. Is this common and is there anything I can do about it?

 

[Hens and Roos]

Welcome! We have 2 Cali does-1st time mothers- who both had their litters yesterday and this morning and they were doing some nest building and digging too. As far as I can tell the babies seem fine. I'm not sure there is much you can do as rabbits seem to have their own instinct on what needs to be done. I wiould just watch to make sure that she isn't gettig to rough.

 

[abamadacort]

Thank you, yes I know there is nothing I can do about it and a couple of the kits have scratches on them. Gonna just have to let her do her thing.

 

[sonnythebunny]

I read somewhere that you are suppost to trim the does nails a week before kindling so she doesnt scratch her kits,
but my doe hasnt had her kits yet so I not really sure

 

[secuono]

First timers might do that. It would be best and safest for you to remove the nest, keep it in the house and only give it back for AM/PM feeding. After 3-4 days, leave the nest in during the day and check on her often. If she's no longer messing around with it, it should be safe to leave it in full time.

 

[Bunnylady]

A lot of my does will continue to add hair to the nest for days after kindling, particularly if the weather is cool. But I agree with removing the nest to protect the kits - they could get seriously injured or even killed if the doe continues to dig.

 

[abamadacort]

Thank you all for your input . This is her fifth litter and she is still struggling to get the hang of it.As am I,lol. She has stopped the digging and is satisfied with her results. A couple of the kits have serious scratches but they seem to be healing alright. Should I put anything on them?