Rabbit kits born in dirty hutch!

by Anna
(UK)

I have four rabbits that all live together in three conjoined hutches and both does were pregnant. The first doe kindled yesterday so I've separated her from the others (she can still see them in the next hutch) but she kindled earlier than expected and right in the middle of their toilet area! I only found them when I came down to clean the hutches out.

With there being 4 rabbits, the area was really mucky after a week and I'm concerned about the kits' health. I've cleared out all the dirty bedding from around them but not under them as I wasn't sure whether to move them. My partner thinks I should leave them be but my question is, should I really clear all the dirty stuff out? I read that you say it's ok to handle the kits if the doe knows you but I don't want to do anything wrong!! The other doe who hasn't yet kindled has already had a litter and none survived because it was cold and I was told not to interfere with them, so I don't want more dead babies!

Incidentally the doe in question is quite placid and I do handle them all most days (although they run away from me!) but she seems quite nervous right now.