HELP! My rabbit had a huge litter and I have no foster moms

The Haven Rabbitry · Jan 11, 2011

Hey guys,

My first californian doe gave birth yesterday afternoon to ELEVEN babies!!!!

All lived through the night, but I'm concerned because she was the first doe I tried to breed, and then none of my other does took, so she's the only one with babies right now. I have no one to foster some of them to. I have put out a few emails to near by rabbit friends, but I doubt they have any right now.

Any suggestions on how to keep them all alive and healthy??

Thanks!

maxysmummy · Jan 11, 2011

The Haven Rabbitry wrote:

Hey guys,

My first californian doe gave birth yesterday afternoon to ELEVEN babies!!!!

All lived through the night, but I'm concerned because she was the first doe I tried to breed, and then none of my other does took, so she's the only one with babies right now. I have no one to foster some of them to. I have put out a few emails to near by rabbit friends, but I doubt they have any right now.

Any suggestions on how to keep them all alive and healthy??

Thanks!

maybe set up a few extra feedings throughout the day and section the group into two? so feed the two groups separately?

The Haven Rabbitry · Jan 11, 2011

Thanks for the advice.

GorbyJobRabbits · Jan 11, 2011

She's a large rabbit....there should be no problem with 11 babies. I personally wouldn't worry and wouldn't try to deal with fostering them out anyway.

The Haven Rabbitry · Jan 12, 2011

She lost 2 of the babies. They were warm, so I assume it wasn't the cold, but that she just couldn't feel all 11. Still have 9, and so far, so good.

woahlookitsme · Jan 12, 2011

Well I believe that the 9 should survive. Congratulations on your babies and i'm sorry to hear about the two that didnt make it. I heard that a baby wont survive over two days without being fed so it sounds like your guess was correct. Poor mom. I think when we had our Californians we got 12 kits between two does lol

For future knowledge did you try what maxysmummy suggested?