Problems with nesting doe

[Casey Harthorn]

I have a NZ doe that I started breeding a few months ago. She's around a year old and I have had one successful litter. Now when she has a litter she makes a nest but then after the little ones arrive she empties the nest of all nesting materials and the little ones die of exposure. This has happened for two litters in a row. Any ideas?

 

[Tale of Tails Rabbitry]

Hi!

My idea you might not like...but if she were mine, she would be done as a breeder. However, you could try removing the nesting box to bring the kits inside and take them out to her two or three times a day for them to nurse and keep doing that until their eyes are open. Then they should have enough fur along with mobility to find each other and cuddle together for warmth that they will survive the temperatures.

 

[Pastor Dave]

x2

 

[Casey Harthorn]

Thanks that's great advice. I agree, I'm going to give her one more chance and if she does' is again it's a trip to freezer camp. I'm rather new to the rabbit world, and was wondering if others have experienced this problem as well?

 

[Tale of Tails Rabbitry]

Probably not more than three times, unless she is something quite special otherwise. Most of the breeders I know have a three strikes rule.

Welcome to the rabbit world where you make a good breeding plan and then learn rabbits do not do plans.

 

[Pastor Dave]

Yah, I use 3 strikes plan. The rabbits generally do not like to cooperate with said plan. Culling isn't easy, but it is sometimes what has to occur to get back to your management plan.