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.

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Dec 14, 2011
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by: daisey

Thank you for your comments to Karen the does are 8 months, feed is good, no predators, I'm new at this too. No nest box or bedding; I was watching for them to pull hair. Now I know it is at 28 days. They are meat rabbits, no record of birth, the does are sisters not related to buck, no illness. Any info or advice will be greatly appreciated as I'm hoping to make this work to feed my family but I'm also attached to my breeders they are like my pets and I want to give them what they need. thank you Daisey

***** Karen Sez *****
Wow, good job with the answers, really helps.

Now you know that does often don't pull a scrap of fur till they've actually kindled the babies.

So, give them another chance. Since you feel attached to them, give them 2 more chances, if you like. I think it will go better the next time around, since this time you'll have helped them prepare for the babies.

Every once in a while breeders discover that a doe does not have mothering instincts. We think the same happens in the wild, but nature weeds these ones out through predation, or the failure to produce offspring.

It could still be that one or more of these does lack maternal instincts. Giving 'em another try will help determine if this is the case. If so, nothing says you can't keep them as pets and utilize other does for your meat breeding.

Good luck and have fun.
Dec 14, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		RE Daisey
by: Silver Desert Rabbitry

I agree with Karen. I have never had that happen with any of my does. And the does that didn't build a nest had a nest box right? The only time I had a dead litter was when my doe didn't have a nest box. I have always had the nest built and fur pulled and no babies, not the other way around. And I am really sorry for your loss...

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