Babies leaving mum

[nursecroft]

Ive just found this advert on free ads, its a breeder advertising baby bunnies to be homed at 6 weeks?! Surely that is far too young??

http://pets.uk.freeads.net/rabbits/dwarf_lop/Gorgeous+Dwarf+Lop+Rabbit+Babies.+++++Born+on+17th-568402.htm

[ZakuraRabbit]

I wouldn't know about far.... Quite a few backyard breeders and pet shops in Norway sell rabbits as young as 4 weeks:shock:
6 weeks isn't the worst, but they should be 8 weeks at a minimum, a vet I talked to once told me that many of the adult rabbits coming into her clinic had fallen ill simply because they were taken from their mother at 6 weeks or sooner. Their immune system isn't properly developed, so they shouldn't leave their homes before 8 weeks whether they're still suckling or not. Milk isn't the only reason they should stay with mom..sadly many seem to think this and thinks its okay to take them away as soon as they're spotted eating! :evil: (which is usually about 3 weeks of age!)

[nursecroft]

I think thats awful! I should stop looking at freeads it really winds me up, ive just seen a 3ft hutch advertised as large and suitable for 2 bunnies too!! :(

[rabshan]

babies should be at least eight weeks old before they leave their mum:cry:and fully weaned as if they are still living with ehr they will still be feeding from her:shock:
IMO six weeks is far too young to leave mum:cry:

[RusselRocky]

I asked someone once and they told me that it was weight and not age that it was judged on :shock::shock: Incorrect I assume!!:shock:

[kimd6200]

i never let mine go until they are at least 10wks old.and only then if im happy with how they are.x

[Crystal butterfly]

doesnt weaning start at 6 weeks and that takes about 2 weeks to do properly making it 8 weeks before they are safe to leave? i personally feel 6 weeks is far to young :cry: i think babies should ideally be kept with the breeder until 10 weeks to decrease chances of the baby getting mucoid enteropathies in a new home.

[nursecroft]

Yes thats what i believe, scary that a breeder is doing this, ive looked on her website, she started breeding 'by accident' and its now a 'hobby' :evil:

[christelle]

you know i agree that the babies should be left with their mums as long sa possible, and then the breeder should let them go only if he thinks they are ready! The breeder I bought my bunny from kept them for a minimum of 9 weeks, and i actually got Twitch when he was almost 4 months old... it can be traumatic for them to be seperated from their mum before they're ready, not to mention all the health problems that can follow...

[kimd6200]

i know a breeder who keeps all her babies until they are at least 4-5mths old to ensure they are completly weaned and healthy.x