Oh, no!

[GD91]

Woke up this morning to -

Six dead kits in the suspended wire pen. The 3 does in there were ignoring them. All three will soon be 1st time mothers (apart from the one who just lost her litter.)

We had a doe which we were not sure when she was due. Obviously it is her that has kindled.

The kits were scattered about on the wire and clearly the adults had been standing on them. It was also a night of frost last night (still frosty outside now) so I am going to move the does into the shed.

Got another litter of 6 doing well in the house disappointed that we lost the others though.
I knew I should've checked the does last night for labour signs.

 

[Bunnylady]

Don't you hate it when that happens!?

Sorry you lost your litter - 6 is a good number, too. I would re-breed this doe in the next couple of days, and write down the date so you can't forget (been there, done that, got the bruises from kicking myself to prove it!)

Good luck with the other two!

 

[secuono]

First timer? She probably wouldn't of fed them anyway.
They also don't like to kit when there's commotion or melding humans.
Mine either have them while I'm out feeding middle of the day or wait until the terribly early hours of morning.
Rabbits don't care for their young like some other animals might. If another doe kits, the others will not care if they step on them or squish them.
It's the mom's job to find a good spot, make a great nest and then feed them. It's the kits jobs to stay together and in the nest!

 

[treeclimber233]

Are you trying to raise babies in a cage with multiple does in the cage? In my experience that will not work well. If they are not all due at the same time, the ones not due immediately will eat the hay out of the nest even if there are babies in the nest. If there are already babies in the nest when one due later decides she wants to make a nest she will destroy the nest already made (throwing babies and hair out of the box) to make room for her own babies. She does not understand the other does babies will die out of the nest. It is best for each doe to have her own cage and nest box.

 

[Hens and Roos]

Are you trying to raise babies in a cage with multiple does in the cage? In my experience that will not work well. If they are not all due at the same time, the ones not due immediately will eat the hay out of the nest even if there are babies in the nest. If there are already babies in the nest when one due later decides she wants to make a nest she will destroy the nest already made (throwing babies and hair out of the box) to make room for her own babies. She does not understand the other does babies will die out of the nest. It is best for each doe to have her own cage and nest box.

x2