Hi, our beautiful bunny gave birth to 4 kits on Tuesday April 1st, and all appears to be going well. Mum is calm, so I have checked the nest twice - including once today and babes are all warm and wiggly!
Anyway, as this is a first (and unplanned!) - pregnancy I have a few questions, but before I go on I'll confirm Dad (- Yes we thought he was a girl!) was removed a few days before the birth and is happily living alongside his 'partner' seperated by a divider and somewhat bemused!
1. My rabbits live outdoors in a large run (now with a temporary divider) and the nest is inside the hutch within the run. But snow is forecast! The hutch is fairly well insulated and draught proof - but do we need to do more to protect the babies?
2. Should I clean / change nesting material at all?
3. When the babes do finally leave the nest is it ok for them to come down on to the grass and nibble - or should we put in a barrier to stop them nibbling grass before their digestive systems are ready?
4. I have read so much about the mums eating their babes that I daren't disturb the nest too much, but am concerned in case there are any dead babes below? Should I check more thoroughly?
All advice appreciated - thanks
Anyway, as this is a first (and unplanned!) - pregnancy I have a few questions, but before I go on I'll confirm Dad (- Yes we thought he was a girl!) was removed a few days before the birth and is happily living alongside his 'partner' seperated by a divider and somewhat bemused!
1. My rabbits live outdoors in a large run (now with a temporary divider) and the nest is inside the hutch within the run. But snow is forecast! The hutch is fairly well insulated and draught proof - but do we need to do more to protect the babies?
2. Should I clean / change nesting material at all?
3. When the babes do finally leave the nest is it ok for them to come down on to the grass and nibble - or should we put in a barrier to stop them nibbling grass before their digestive systems are ready?
4. I have read so much about the mums eating their babes that I daren't disturb the nest too much, but am concerned in case there are any dead babes below? Should I check more thoroughly?
All advice appreciated - thanks