Nursing Mom dropping weight

[Kipcha]

We have a foster mama here who has a litter and since she's had them, she's been gradually losing weight. They are 1 week old and came from a high stress situation, so I think a mixture between the stress and the nursing is really taking a toll on her.

Right now she is on an alfalfa pellet, along with alfalfa hay and getting regular veggies (Parsley, Cilantro, Apple, Carrot, Carrot Tops, Banana, Lettuce, Strawberries, etc.) and I've been trying to find a way to help her along. I just wasn't sure if I should be introducing something totally new to her that would help her. Would it upset the babies tummies to give Momma something totally new since it's given to them through her?

 

[Watermelons]

What about some steel cut oats? Lots of people here seem to use those to help put some weight on bunnys.
Pro Biotics? She may have some tummy issues that affect digestion absorption of what she eats if shes from an iffy situation.

Both are safe for mommy and babies. Dont have experience raising kits however.

 

[ZRabbits]

Oats are a great idea. Will really put weight on Mom and won't hurt the babies.

Poor Mom and that stress level. It's got me thinking. Have you tried a tasty alfalfa treat from the store? I know my bunnies go crazy over an alfalfa treat called Rings. I don't give them much because it will put weight them. Something to think about if you are worried about giving something new to Mom like the oats.

Wishing you all the luck. I know this Mom is in good hands with you.

K

 

[LakeCondo]

She's lucky to have you in her life, Amanda. Oats is a good idea. For those NOT wanting weight gain, I'd use wheat bran instead of oats, as it has only half the fat of oats.

 

[gmas rabbit]

I would definitely try the oats, old fashioned rolled ( not quick cooking ) or steel cut. Maybe sprinkle some critical care on her hay. Some bunnies are great milk producers and just loss weight when nursing.

 

[tonyshuman]

I would also look into reducing veggies so she eats more pellets and hay. You don't want to do anything too drastic to her diet, but a slight reduction in veggies might make her eat more pellets.

 

[Kipcha]

Karen and LakeCondo, thank you for the confidence, I've been paranoid about these guys and trying not to bother them too much, but at the same time keep track of how both Mom and babies are doing. They came from quite the situation so I want to make sure they get a great new start to their lives.

I'll be sure to go get some oats, I think the babies are drinking a LOT, they are all huge and getting very active now while Mom seems to be dropping fast, so I'll be sure to do everything I can for her, she's such a good Mama.

I'll reduce her veggies a bit... Should I maybe, when giving her some, try giving her veggies that are higher in vitamins? Should I get her kale or spinach or anything? To be honest, I have no idea what these guys have had before coming here...

 

[tonyshuman]

If you're not sure what they've had, stick with the best tolerated veggies. My guys won't eat spinach. If I give them a spring veggie lettuce mix that contains spinach, they eat everything and leave the spinach. I'd stick with the old stand-bys to make sure you don't get a gas episode. Romaine, parsley, maybe kale, red/green leaf lettuce, etc. Veggies are good for bunnies but don't have as many calories as pellets. Maybe add in some fruit too and carrots. Those can have a lot of vitamins.

 

[majorv]

Black oil sunflower seeds would help, and rabbits usually love them. If the babies are that fat then maybe you could give mom a break and allow them to only feed once/day for a bit. It won't hurt them if they're doing that well and it might help mom regain some weight. Just a thought.

 

[LakeCondo]

I was thinking that, too, Vicki.