Kaye's bunny journal

[Kaye]

Elsa is getting pushy again. She is getting close to kindling!! When she gets to about day 28 or 29 she goes crazy trying to clean everything. I have her a few paper towels and she really got into cleaning her cage. She growled at me when I tried to move her to another cage so I decided against it only bc she is so close. Instead I removed the dirty bedding and replaced it

 

[Kaye]

Annabelle

 

[Kaye]

Alice

 

[Kaye]

Elsa had her kits last night. 7 but one died, so she has 6 little healthy buns. She decided against the nest box and just made a huge pile of bedding and fur instead. I put a low board across the bottom of the hutch to keep the kits from crawling around everywhere. She seems to be okay with this.
I remember seeing someone yesterday posted they wouldn't have a pushy doe. Even if she was pregnant/nursing. Elsa lunged and growled at me earlier when one of the kits cried (I was looking to make sure all was healthy and putting divider across the bottom). She was protesting my touching her babies. Protecting her kits. How is this not a good thing??

 

[samssimonsays]

People dislike the idea of having any one animal that is "unsafe" to handle or reach into their cages. In my experience, it escalates past when the hormones were running rampant. I never kept any doe or buck who was cage aggressive outside of raising kits. I gave them a free pass, it is instinct and it is natural for them to protect their kits.

 

[promiseacres]

One of the characteristics of velveteen lops are their sweet and friendly personalities. I tolerate a protective mother as long as it's within reason. Any nasty attitudes that escalate will be culled. So far haven't had to cull any of them. Did cull a polish buck. My kids ages 2, 4 and 8 show and help care for the bunnies (limited handling of nestbox kits) I do not want them afraid of the rabbits.

 

[Kaye]

Indeed. I was just reading a post from someone who has a possible pregnant doe (only had her a couple days) and is wanting to get rid of her already. I actually think she did cull her.
I follow another forum and everyone was talking about how they'd cull her because the babies could get her personality. I just don't think they gave her a chance to even find out her personality.
I totally agree with culling a truly aggressive rabbit, I've had to cull a nasty buck I had acquired a year ago. My daughter (3) wanted to pet him so bad. I had him for 3 months. I never was able to reach into his cage without being scratched AND bit. I REALLY thought I could change his attitude, but I failed.
As far as getting a pregnant doe and not give her but a few days to adjust?? I feel like she should have had a little longer. Like after she gave birth and finished nursing. BUT people do things differently than I, so all I can do is complain and express my feelings towards the problem. Maybe my rant will save another pregnant doe.
I mean, IMHO I don't think you can find out what kind of personality she has until she is done protecting her babies. Even while pregnant they have the instinct to protect the offspring. Hormones, as mentioned, cause even the most gentle animal to turn into a beast. Lol
I'm glad people actually read my rants. Thanks guys

 

[Kaye]

Mocha Loppe'

 

[Kaye]

Can't get enough of these little naked babies!! Growing like weeds

 

[Kaye]

I've noticed that Thumper has thrown a chocolate in every litter....