Surprise!

[Genipher]

Today was the 41st day since our Silver Fox, Honey the Bunny was bred. I had pretty much given up hope that she was pregnant. When I checked her this morning she had pulled a small tuft of hair for her nest but since she usually has a comfy place to sleep, I didn't think much of it.
She had also been acting...different. More friendly, I suppose. Every time I went outside she would stand and press her front paws against the wire whereas in the past, she would run and hide in the back of the hutch. But, again, I just assumed she had adjusted to her new life with us (we've only had her for 1.5 months) and now "liked" me.
Anywho.
When my husband came home from work he passed by the hutch and then came inside and nonchalantly informed me that we had kits so I immediately went out to take a peek.
Honey was very good about letting me root around her nest. (Oh, and the little tuft of fur from this morning had turned into a mountain! I am simply amazed at how much she pulled! I don't see how she can have any left for herself!!) I attempted to count the squirming babies and got to 7 . Tomorrow I'm planning on going out with a box so I can count them one-by-one.

After our last doe did so poorly (one stillborn kit), I am excited that we have a live litter!
When I check these new babies I put on an air of confidence (I don't want Honey sensing that I'm nervous) but inside the house I can't help but worry that something will go wrong and that they'll all die or something...

Strangely enough, last night I dreampt that our doe gave birth to more kits than I could count. But she kept sticking them in strange places (like an old VHS box). Every time I returned the kits to the nest (in my dream) they would get smaller and smaller and ended up looking like chocolate chips.
I think it's a bit funny that the day I have a dream about kits is the day our doe gives birth!

I do have a question though...

I keep thinking of that mound of babies and I am just flabbergasted that they each manage to get something to eat...How in the world do the does manage to nurse the kits when they're covered with fur??

 

[MenagerieMama]

Congratulations! Can't wait to see your pics...(ahem...please post pics!). I have been wanting Silver Fox bunnies for over a year now and am SO jealous of your litter.

As far as the babies eating and living with all that fur...I've thought the same thing when my Holland Lop had her litter. I also wondered how much fur the kits consumed based on the fur stuck to their little faces. Makes me want to gargle and rinse the imaginary hairs out of my mouth!

 

[Ms. Research]

Congratulations on the healthy kits!

 

[Roll farms]

Congratulations!

The lady we bought our SF's from told me not to be alarmed if they didn't have babies until up to day 38....apparently they cook 'em a little longer than other breeds.

 

[Genipher]

Hey Roll Farms, I had wondered about that, too. Here it was day 41...10 days after the estimated gestation period! Our other doe "popped" closer to her due date (although her litter of one kit died) but she was still "overdue".
It's good to know that S. Foxes tend to take a little longer in their pregnancies. I'll have to keep this in mind with the next litter!

MenagerieMama, too bad we're not closer...I would definitely share the "wealth"!

-----------------------------------------------------Edited-------------------------------
I asked earlier how to post pictures. Since snooping around more I think I MIGHT have it figured out. Now I just need to get some pics of the kits.

 

[daisychick]

I post pictures straight from "my pictures" on my computer. I go to the upload section and then click "browse" and find my file in my pictures and upload it. Then just copy the new image link into your post. Hope that helps, so I can see baby pictures.

 

[Genipher]

Honey's 7 new kits!

It was drizzling a bit outside so I was trying to move fast. I didn't want to keep them out of their warm nest for too long so this is the best picture I could get for now. I will update the pictures as the little ones grow.

Also, I've noticed that every time I stick my hand into the nest one or two of the kits literally jump out of the fur at me. Scared the poo out of me the first time they did it! I guess that answers my question as to how the mom nurses them when they're buried in fur, eh?

 

[MenagerieMama]

Honey's 7 new kits!


http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/5135_honeys_7_kits.jpg


It was drizzling a bit outside so I was trying to move fast. I didn't want to keep them out of their warm nest for too long so this is the best picture I could get for now. I will update the pictures as the little ones grow.

Also, I've noticed that every time I stick my hand into the nest one or two of the kits literally jump out of the fur at me. Scared the poo out of me the first time they did it! I guess that answers my question as to how the mom nurses them when they're buried in fur, eh?

They are WONDERFUL!!! And I know exactly what you mean when they jump at you...it is startling when you don't expect it!!

 

[oneacrefarm]

Honey's 7 new kits!


http://www.backyardherds.com/forum/uploads/5135_honeys_7_kits.jpg


It was drizzling a bit outside so I was trying to move fast. I didn't want to keep them out of their warm nest for too long so this is the best picture I could get for now. I will update the pictures as the little ones grow.

Also, I've noticed that every time I stick my hand into the nest one or two of the kits literally jump out of the fur at me. Scared the poo out of me the first time they did it! I guess that answers my question as to how the mom nurses them when they're buried in fur, eh?

That is why they are called "popples" LOL!

 

[daisychick]

Yeah! Thanks for the picture.