Normal for mother to not breastfeed on day 1?

[neatherlanddwarf]

My bunny just had kits today and I'm wondering when she'll start breastfeeding them.
They look kind of hungry, they're huddled up together in their nest box but I'm sure they're hungry.
How long until the mother begins to lactate? I've been feeding her alfalfa, romaine lettuce, pellets and Timothy hay, but so far no milk.
Any suggestions?

 

[UFCreel]

Rabbits usually only feed their kits twice a day. Just keep an eye on them. You will be able to tell by full belly's.

 

[Blue eyes]

My bunny just had kits today and I'm wondering when she'll start breastfeeding them.
They look kind of hungry, they're huddled up together in their nest box but I'm sure they're hungry.
How long until the mother begins to lactate? I've been feeding her alfalfa, romaine lettuce, pellets and Timothy hay, but so far no milk.
Any suggestions?

Just a note for your reference: 'breastfeeding' typically applies to human mothers (since they actually have breasts). For animals, 'nursing' is a more appropriate term.

 

[Preitler]

Well, in rather rare cases it can take up to 2 days that the milk drops. Some of my does don't go near the nest while I'm around, last year I didn't notice a surprise litter for a whole week...

It's a good sign when the doe eats as there's no tomorrow.

 

[JimJam]

Check tomorrow whether the buns look full and round - wrinkly skin is not a good sign... but otherwise just leave the mum and she’ll know when to feed them. It can take up to 2 days for the first feed to come through