what are the views on handling new born kits?

[lynnnora2]

I have read alot of stuff about handling new born kits and dont know what to believe. Alot of websites seem keen on handling them but there is quite abit of controversy on the subject. Would love advice from experienced breeders.
Lynnnora2

 

[OakRidgeRabbits]

Absolutely handle kits from Day 1. It's important to check the nest daily for kits who have passed, to keep the nest clean. But it's also beneficial to get the kits used to your touch.

 

[ladysown]

handle the kits twice a day. Gets them used to you and your scent. Trains momma that you'll do no harm. helps you check for any health issues and to get on top of anything you see and sometimes, sad though it be, kits die for no apparent reason.

 

[ldoerr]

I always handle my babies from day 1. They get handled multiple times a day.

 

[majorv]

I agree, you should try to handle them each day, if for no other reason than to make sure they're alive and being fed. We find that by messing with the Mom and getting her used to your hand being in and around her that it makes it easier after the kits are born, when you need to check on them.

 

[TinysMom]

Unless I have a very nervous mom - I definitely handled my kits from day one. If mama was nervous or I was worried about her attacking them - then I would check on them every day but not handle them till they came out of the nest...but that was only with one or two mamas that tended to be aggressive those first few days.

 

[lynnnora2]

I have tried reading up on all I can find about baby kits and now Im just praying the mother is feeding them, they are quiet but certainly squirmy when I hold them, they are warm. Any tips from breeders on looking out for signs that she isnt feeding them would be appreciated. I know Im going on abit, but Im desperate to make sure these little babies are going to do well. I couldnt stand to lose them already. I feel like Im a grandma, lol.

 

[majorv]

They'll have a fat tummy if they're being fed. In the picture of the kits in the other thread they looked kind of thin. They won't make it more than 48 hours without Mom feeding them.

 

[woahlookitsme]

Checking tummies at different times of the day is best as they can look fed at one point and then look so skinny at another. I usually check late night or early morning

 

[lynnnora2]

I have put them on her to feed, she is ok about me doing this. I read that sometimes that gets them started with the feeding. My fingers are crossed.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Everything we've read says to handle them--it helps with socialization and makes handling easier later on when you need to cut nails and so forth. We've had several rescues that weren't handled and it took a long time and a lot of work to get them to the point that handling as kits would have accomplished.