Daisey
I have 7 does 3 bucks. 3 of my does (first time bred) gave birth. No nest made no fur pulled all kits died by morning. A 4th doe made a nest, pulled fur and had 8 kits. They made it for 6 days then all died. Any advice...
***** Karen Sez *****Wow, what lousy mothering, for sure. But why?
--Is the feed adequate?
--Any predators in the neighborhood?
--What kind of nest and bedding materials did the does get?
--Are these meat rabbits (with hopefully a track record of success in their forebears) or random pets (no idea of parentage or maternal capabilities)?
--Are they related to each other?
--How old are the does?
--Any symptoms of illness in the does or bucks?
The fact that all the does failed to raise their kits is very surprising. If the does are related, I'd think they perhaps do not have adequate maternal instincts. Give them ONE more chance to get their acts together.
If not related, the questions will provide you some avenues to explore in determining why no live kits. The fact that all the does failed is either very bad news or hopeful news, meaning with a correction to the environment you may be able to fix the problem for good.
Good luck.