Very small baby bun in litter. U/D Doing well!

[Michaela]

I'm looking after my neighbour's rabbits for a week, their female bunny had an accidental litter last week, the kits are about a week and a half old. There are 2 big healthy fatties, one that's a little bit smaller, but still seems healthy, and then there is a very small one that just doesn't seem to be thriving at all. (I don't think it could be a peanut, they have to be dwarf breeds or something?) So it just seems to be the runt of the litter, it's getting fed of course, or it wouldn't be alive, but I just wondered, is there anything at all that I can do to help? Smartie (the mum) doesn't know me well, I see her a bit (she's Berri's daughter) but not regularly, so I'm wary of handling them too much yet. I will take some pictures tomorrow of them and show you the little one. I just want to try my best, don't want the little one to pass, especially when the owners are gone. If there is nothing to be done, I would appreciate some prayers and good thoughts for the little baby. Thanks.

 

[BlueCamasRabbitry]

Sending prayers and good vibes for the little baby. I hope it survives

ray:

Emily

 

[Michaela]

Thanks Emily. :hug: I hope so too.

 

[BlueGiants]

I'm sorry you are having to deal with this. Sometimes there are babies born with internal defects and they fail to thrive. I'm afraid there is not much that can be done for one so young. They do not tolerate most medications or diet changes.

Try to keep it warm and comfortable. You can try taking the momma out and carefully holding her, place the tiny one under her to give it an extra feeding. But don't blame yourself if he doesn't make it.

 

[aurora369]

I would also say try giving the little babies some extra feedings. Take the two big ones out of the nest and get mom to nurse the two little ones. Try for once or twice a day.

Not much else you can do. If there is something wrong with them, then they will just fade away. No way to tell at that young age what the exact problem is.

--Dawn

 

[GoinBackToCali]

Sending good vibes your way...

ray:

Z

 

[Michaela]

Thanks guys, I will try that this evening then. She is still wary of me going near the babies though. It looked a bit brighter today, more lively, still so small.

 

[Michaela]

I couldn't move the big babies out, everytime I touch them she comes over to see what I'm doing, I'm to nervous. Little Baby is still going strong though, was very lively tonight. The fatties keep hogging the middle of the pile so I have to squeeze the little one in, this is the warmest part, yes? I have a few pictures, I'll upload them now, they are very poor quality I don't think you will be able to see anything, it was dark and my camera battery ran out, I'll try again tomorrow.

 

[aurora369]

You can try distracting mom with some veggies or treats. If the babies are in a box, then you can remove the box, take out the big babies and put them in a safe spot, and then put the box with the small babies back in the cage.

Then encourage her to get in the nest box and you can distract her again with treats or veggies while the little ones feed.

--Dawn

 

[gentle giants]

Will the mom trance? If she will, you can turn her over on her back and put the little babies on her belly to nurse. Keep one hand on the baby, though, because if momma kicks suddenly baby will fall.

 

[Michaela]

Ok, I will try again tomorrow. Yes she does trance, I usually cut their nails and both their rabbits are a lot more trance-able than either of mine.

 

[Michaela]

I've been trancing her and letting the little one feed (I hold the mum, my mum holds the baby) so hopefully there will be some improvement.

 

[Michaela]

Well if anyone is interested, the little one is doing so well. It's a little bit smaller, but he/she is coming on in leaps and bounds. And he/she is a little sweetheart, already loves being held, and just falls asleep in your hand, but still runs around and plays with the others.

 

[polly]

awww I am realy glad its doing so well Michaela. sorry somehow I missed this thread (no idea how) but I am so glad its good news

 

[Michaela]

Thanks Polly! I will see if they mind me taking a few pictures soon, it's the cutest little thing.