Newborn babies

[tennischic560]

My Flemish Giant, Daisy has been weening her first litter of babies. They are 5 weeks old and doing great. I moved them outside on my patio for a couple nights to have more room to play. This morning I went outside to feed and water them and saw a bunch of lifeless newborn babies scattered all over the ground. I tried my best to revive 4 of the 8 but their little bodies were just too cold. I have a heat lamp set up and a fleece blanket underneath it for the 5 week old babies. I am curious how in the world I missed this and how is it possible for Daisy to be pregnant with 2 separate litters? I counted back the days and discovered that she got pregnant within a day or 2 of having her first litter. Do you also know why she wouldn't clean the newborn babies off or at least try to safe them? Is this because she is still focused on her first batch of little ones?

Thank you

-Ashley

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

This should get moved to the Rabbitry & Showroom section where you'll get more help.

She probably didn't clean them or make a nest for them because she still has her other litter with her. If Daisy was with or a near a buck around the time she gave birth to the first litter, then that is how and why she got pregnant the 2nd time. Does and bucks should never be housed together unless spayed & neutered, and especially never when a doe is expecting to kindle at any moment.

Emily

 

[tennischic560]

Ok Thank you. We had no idea she was expecting the first litter until we discovered them in a flower pot in our backyard. They both ran around together and we separated them as soon as we discovered the litter but I'm guessing she already got prego again by then. Our next litter will be planned and we will be giving her a good break before breading again.

 

[pamnock]

Does are most receptive within the 3 days after giving birth and are very likely to breed again shortly after kindling. She may have left them scattered simply due to lack of a place to nest.