HELP! Bunny Crisis!

by Kathy
(Branson, MO, USA)

We have 6 does and are accustomed to breeding, kindling, etc. We've had the does maybe 4 months or so. One was supposed to be too young when we got her, so we've never bred her. About 3-4 days ago, we tried but she wouldn't let the buck "do his thing."


We were working in the rabbitry. Went back out after lunch and she had 3 bunnies - absolutely no warning!

We immediately got a box for her and put hay in it. The kits were on the floor of the cage, so we put them into the box. Mom has no tuft under her throat and we couldn't get any fur from her. Got a little bit from 3 other does, but not much. (And yes, they fought me!!)

Took some cotton balls, stretched them (so they look like Mom's fur usually does), and covered them.

One kit keeps disappearing and we find it at the bottom of the box, under the hay (trying to get warm, I'm sure!) It was very cold, but still alive. We put it back on top of the hay and covered it with cotton balls.

What else can/should we do, please?

Thanks!
Kathy & Charlie

***** Karen Sez *****
Good idea, trying the cotton ball thing, but I guess genuine fur is just a whole lot warmer.

At this point, I would probably bring the whole nest box into the house, and return it to the doe twice a day for, say, 10 minutes each time. I'm not sure the doe is accepting the kits, and apparently they're having trouble staying warm. You may have to help the doe feed the kits by placing and holding her in the nestbox, or by turning her over and placing bunnies up to her spigots. Good luck...

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Jan 14, 2012
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by: Kathy

Karen, thanks for your help. Unfortunately, they died that day. Mom pulled out our cotton balls and finally pulled some fur, but the bunnies were all buried under the hay (without her fur near them) and it wasn't nearly enough fur. I hope this never happens again, but will keep your advice, just in case. Thanks! Kathy

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