Hello, I've read many posts on this forum and it seems like there are a lot of experienced people out there who can give me the much needed advice I am after however after reading the thread concerning Ruby I hope that no-one is going to flame me!
We have two Netherland Dwarves (a buck and a doe named Max and Millie respectively). We had our buck neutered last week and would have liked to have had him done sooner however our vet wanted the two bunnies to have their vaccinations first. We didn't separate the rabbits then and I know in hindsight we should have but they have bonded really well.
Anyway on Saturday I noticed that Millie was nest building (her poor front paws look almost bald!) and nipples had grown on her underbelly. We took her to the vet who confirmed she was pregnant and in the very late stages.
Anyway on Sunday morning Millie gave birth and we have sought advice immediately from the vet who has told us to leave Millie to care for them, not to touch the kittens or the nest and separate her from Max. We have got a new hutch and Max is living in there - we have placed the hutches opposite each other on our patio so that the rabbits can still see each other.
I know that Millie has to wean the kittens - am I right in that this takes 8 weeks? Was just wondering how long we can leave things before we rebond Max and Millie? I also know that Max can still be fertile for up to 6 weeks following his castration but was wondering whether we would be ok to let them run around together in our living room as they did before if we ensure that he doesn't try to mount her. Am also conscious that Millie must not be stressed about anything as this can cause her to attack her kittens. Would the smell of Max on her cause problems if they were allowed to be together?
Am just seeking advice because I would really like our bunnies to return to the way they were- happily bonded.
Many thanks in anticipation of your good advice. Val
We have two Netherland Dwarves (a buck and a doe named Max and Millie respectively). We had our buck neutered last week and would have liked to have had him done sooner however our vet wanted the two bunnies to have their vaccinations first. We didn't separate the rabbits then and I know in hindsight we should have but they have bonded really well.
Anyway on Saturday I noticed that Millie was nest building (her poor front paws look almost bald!) and nipples had grown on her underbelly. We took her to the vet who confirmed she was pregnant and in the very late stages.
Anyway on Sunday morning Millie gave birth and we have sought advice immediately from the vet who has told us to leave Millie to care for them, not to touch the kittens or the nest and separate her from Max. We have got a new hutch and Max is living in there - we have placed the hutches opposite each other on our patio so that the rabbits can still see each other.
I know that Millie has to wean the kittens - am I right in that this takes 8 weeks? Was just wondering how long we can leave things before we rebond Max and Millie? I also know that Max can still be fertile for up to 6 weeks following his castration but was wondering whether we would be ok to let them run around together in our living room as they did before if we ensure that he doesn't try to mount her. Am also conscious that Millie must not be stressed about anything as this can cause her to attack her kittens. Would the smell of Max on her cause problems if they were allowed to be together?
Am just seeking advice because I would really like our bunnies to return to the way they were- happily bonded.
Many thanks in anticipation of your good advice. Val
