I was reading a thread that diversed into a debate about how many weeks kits can be safely weaned at. Most people posting seemed to think that a minimum of 8 weeks, preferably 10, and as much as 12 were the acceptable scope for weaning.
When I got my last rescue bun, he was found at 5 weeks old, outside, and given to rescue, where I collected him 6 weeks later. Prior to collecting him, I contacted our exotic specilaist, and asked if there would be any potential problems because 5 weeks was too young to be weaned (or so i thought). He said that if he'd just been released, then he should be absolutely fine, and will be perfectly weaned and ready to go.
I then read in Anne McBride's book 'Rabbits and Hares' that kits are released to live as young rabbits at 24 days and that they become functional in the warren at that point.
I've just spoken to Anne, and mentioned this in passing. She said that 'that should probably be 28 days, not 24' and that kits were ready to survive on their own at a month old. Any time after this serves no purpose to the Kit or Mother.
So my question is this - Where does the information that rabbits are not ready to leave their mothers before at least 8 weeks come from? It seems to be common knowledge, but I can find no evidence to back it up. Would be grateful if someone could help, thanks.
When I got my last rescue bun, he was found at 5 weeks old, outside, and given to rescue, where I collected him 6 weeks later. Prior to collecting him, I contacted our exotic specilaist, and asked if there would be any potential problems because 5 weeks was too young to be weaned (or so i thought). He said that if he'd just been released, then he should be absolutely fine, and will be perfectly weaned and ready to go.
I then read in Anne McBride's book 'Rabbits and Hares' that kits are released to live as young rabbits at 24 days and that they become functional in the warren at that point.
I've just spoken to Anne, and mentioned this in passing. She said that 'that should probably be 28 days, not 24' and that kits were ready to survive on their own at a month old. Any time after this serves no purpose to the Kit or Mother.
So my question is this - Where does the information that rabbits are not ready to leave their mothers before at least 8 weeks come from? It seems to be common knowledge, but I can find no evidence to back it up. Would be grateful if someone could help, thanks.