URGENT, Newborn kits and cold weather

[Aearrinn]

Good evening!

My new Zealand/blue cross just had kits this morning, and they're all happy and healthy so far. Tonight, however, it's supposed to be in the low 30's or high 20's and I'm not sure what to do. I don't have a garage or a heating lamp, and I've heard to bring the nesting box inside at night, but I'm concerned that the doe, this being only her second litter, may not nurse them at all since they usually only nurse at night. Should I get a cage that I can bring inside that will house the doe and the nesting box, should I just bring the kits in anyway and hope momma nurses during the day, or is 25-30 degrees not too cold for new kits? Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

THANKS!!!

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

The kits should be fine, as long as the nest is warm and covered with fur.

 

[squidpop]

I'm not sure about this. Maybe others have good advice. I think first of all I would make sure nest box has sides that are high to decrease chance of babies somehow getting out and make sure there is lots of fur covering them. I prefer nest boxes with high sides- 7 1/2 - 8 inches to make sure babies can't get out and freeze. I then put two bricks next to the nest box so momma rabbit can use them as steps to get into the nest. If there is lots of nesting materials and fur covering them they should be able to stay warm in those temperatures 20-30 degrees. However I would also check them before I went to bed at 11:30 and make sure they seemed ok. Then I would set my alarm for 4:00 in the morning and check on them again and then go back to bed and get up at 7:30 and check again.
So I guess what I am saying is until they get fur I would just try to check them around the clock every four hours or so, and also make sure they have enough nesting materials to keep them warm.

 

[majorv]

Are they in a regular wood or metal nestbox? As mentioned, as long as there is plenty of hay/bedding and a good layer of mom's hair under and over them they'll be okay. I am always nervous with newborns and cold, and we've lost a few, but it doesn't happen too often with precautions. I assume the cage or hutch they're in is protected from the wind.

 

[Aearrinn]

Thanks everyone! They are wood nesting boxes, 3/4" plywood, partially covered on top and well lined with grass hay and momma's fur. I went in and added some cotton batting underneath, so they have some insulation. I have blankets over the hutch to help block any drafts. I don't like to mess with them too much, but I'm nervous about them freezing! I appreciate the input.