Extremely frustrated with a doe

[TinysMom]

Cindy (holland lop) had four babies last week. Two were small and I didn't think they'd make it - I was right. The other two are growing...somewhat.

However - no matter what I do - what I put them in, etc - she continually PEES on them and they get cold. They are getting fed...somewhat (pretty good) and when she is near them she licks them and is affectionate with them. But then she goes and pees all over them or knocks the box over so they get on the floor of her cage and we found one on the living room floor last night.

Right now they're in the nestbox with Nyx's 7 flemish giant kits (who are huge compared to these babies) - to stay warm.

I'm not sure whether to leave these two with mama or just take them to her a couple of times per day until they are older and their eyes are open and they would normally start getting out of the nestbox.

HELP?

 

[countrybuns]

Wow! I think you were right to put them with Nyx' kits to keep warm and if she is still feeding them to take them to her. That is so strange...why would ya wanna pee on your own babies?

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

I agree with Sarah.
I think it'd be best to just take them to her a couple of times a day to make sure they're getting fed, but don't give them back to her until they start jumping out of the box.

Is her cage big enough to maybe add a litter box? That's the only other thing I could think of...

Emily

 

[TinysMom]

I added a litter box - she's peed in both.

We just lost baby #3.....only one is left.

on top of that - Nyx is not caring for her kits...

Times like this - I HATE being a breeder.

 

[lelanatty]

Is this her first litter?
Don't give up hope. Stuff happens, and it's just one of those times. Best of luck

 

[TinysMom]

Well - it doesn't matter now - I lost the last of the hollands (and two flemish).

Ever feel like throwing in the towel and giving up?

 

[lelanatty]

Nope. But I have been extremely lucky. I know a breeder who had been breeding for an entire year and only got 2 live kits out of her Netherland Dwarfs that had a chance to grow up.
The thing to do is just keep trying. Breed them again. If she does the same thing, then maybe you don't need to deal with that stress. Or you can just foster her kits to a better mama next time.