New Mommy

[Sasha]

Sasha just had babies tonight. I've researched about the babies, but I was wondering if any knows if I should feed her anything special to help her nurse.

 

[Maureen Las]

You will get the best answers to these questions in the rabbitry section of the forum so I'm going to move this thread there

 

[Sasha]

Thank you.

 

[BSAR]

I don't think there is anything that will help her nurse. Her milk may not come in for a day or so, so dont be alarmed if by tomorrow morning the babies tummies are still not ping pongy looking.

 

[Sasha]

I haven't gotten near the babies yet, is it ok to handle them when they are so young.

 

[Haley]

Hopefully a breeder will see this soon! Congrats on your new babies.

For mom, just be sure she has lots of pellets and hay to replenish herself. You can handle the babies if mom isnt acting aggressive towards you. Just be very gentle and talk to her. You should check each to be sure they have a round tummy.

Has she built a nest for them? Do you have them in a nestbox or anything so they dont get hurt?

Heres a link to our Library thread on Breeding and Care of the Young for more info: http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=12047&forum_id=17

 

[Haley]

Also, just in case, I thought I would mention that the dad needs separated from the mom and babies at all times. She can get pregnant again minutes after she gave birth.

 

[BSAR]

Sasha wrote:

I haven't gotten near the babies yet, is it ok to handle them when they are so young.

Yes it is ok to handle them.Lots of people say its not ok, but that is just a myth. Most moms would be glad to get away from them, especially when they're older!

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

Sasha wrote:

I haven't gotten near the babies yet, is it ok to handle them when they are so young.

Definitley handle them if she will let you (you may have to distract her with a piece of fruit/veggie). Check to make sure all babies are ok, remove any dead ones. She shouldn't attack them for you handling them, but rub her with your hands so when you handle the babies, they'll still smell like her babies to her

I always handle my kits daily from the time their born, I also let others handle them (mostly Karlee (FallingStar) so they'll be used to others. I don't let younger kids (like my nephews and niece) handle them though, not until their about 4 weeks old, and not for long either.

Emily

 

[aurora369]

Yup, it's okay to handle the babies. In fact, it is very important to make sure there are no left over placentas or dead babies in the nest. If not taken out, they can rot and make the babies sick.

Is the nest in a box? I like to keep the nest in a box, it helps keep the babies from wandering out of the nest and getting cold. It also makes it easier to check on the babies, because you can pull the nest box out of the cage.

I take the babies out daily to make sure they are all getting fed and no one is injured. It also helps them to get used to people.

Make sure mom is getting a high quality pellet and lots of hay. Fresh veggies if she usually gets them too.

--Dawn

 

[jcl_24]

Congrats on the new litter .

Looking forward to hearing more about their progress with you and Sasha.

Jo xx

 

[LionheadLady]

I pick up the new kits everyday. I make sure they are ok. I usually pick them up in the morning & when I get home from work or a little later to be sure they are all there, fed etc... The other day I went in to check on them & said ut ohhh there were 5 now I only see 4.. the other one was either attachted to mom when she jumped out of the nest box after feeding or just jumped out.. they were only a few days old but with doing so I was able to catch the kit before it was too late& return it to the nest. If I had not checked on the the 2 times a day the kit would have died.

I give my does a tums with calcium the berry flavor... 1 day for about 2 weeksafter they give birth. I also give them 1 a day about a week before they give birth. It really helps the doe get back the calcium she loses giving birth & they LOVE them! My does hear the bottle open & press thier nose against the door saying me 1st, me 1st! even if they are not bred they want 1 because they love them!

I breed all the time if you have any questions feel free to PM me or just post away. Sometimes I do not get to the site everyday but if I see a PM I will answer right away.

Yesterday I had a doe scatter a litter all over the wire... they were cold & not moving... But I was able to bring 1 back to life... I have been able to bring a whole litter back... I just needed some extra hands & I was home alone & did not have that yesterday not to mentionI just started a new job & could not be late so I did what I could & saved 1...

Good luck with your new kits! post pictures of them soon! Nothing like new kits arriving! How sweet!