B
BRACKEN
Guest
Firstly, a really big thank you to everyone who has given me advice over the last few months.
Just to recap due to my lack of knowledge and poor advice from the vets, my bunny Daisy had babies before I had chance to get the dad, Benjamin neutered.
She conceived at 4 months and at 5 months had one litter of 2 babies that didn't survive. Despite separating her from Dad within a hour of this litter she had 7 babies 1 month later.
And boy, have the last few months been hard work!! I read so much about hygiene with daily cleaning/disinfecting, how susceptible the babies are to gut infection, not touching them too soon but giving them all enough cuddles when older to socialise them, keeping Dad happy as he was now on his own, neutering him, building the new kennel for them, sexing the babies, finding new homes (a big worry) and finally bonding the ones I kept all back together.
A wonderful experience? but to anyone who thinks having baby bunnies is sweet - I can tell you it's really hard work. I know all the rescue people on here know that!
Anyway, thankfully the last baby bunny went to it's home yesterday. All except one went to people I know so I am happy with thier homes. The lady who I didn't know had just lost a bunny that was 9. She had turned down a previous litter she looked at as the lady said she could take the bunny immediately and it was only 4 weeks old! She came back with her 9 year old son who was beaming. My sister has taken her two to the vet who said they were very healthy babies so I was pleased and both hers are booked in to be neutered/spayed.
Finally yesterday I bonded Daisy, Banjamin, the runt Sooty Little (who I now think may be a girl !- vet will confirm next week) and another girl 'unnamed' at present!
For bonding I was a little nervous but think having read so much on here I was prepared. I had my water bottle as I knew that Daisy would be boss over Dad! I let her do all the natural stuff - humping and circling but the spray worked a treat when she tried to bite him hard. It's a bit like when I clicker train my dogs - timing is important! After a couple of direct hits, when I could see what she was thinking of doing I just had to spray the newspaper and it stopped her. This morning they all seem fine. She is the boss but Benjamin is so laid back and submissive it seems to work great. Fingers crossed it stays this way!
Anyway, here they are this morning. They have found a spot on the cage that they seem to like. On the other side they have a big dog bed and underneath some litter trays. Its lovely just sat in there watching them.
The next task is to fit a run to the front so they can come outside. I have warned my poor husband.................!!
That's my story. Thank again everyone.
Just to recap due to my lack of knowledge and poor advice from the vets, my bunny Daisy had babies before I had chance to get the dad, Benjamin neutered.
She conceived at 4 months and at 5 months had one litter of 2 babies that didn't survive. Despite separating her from Dad within a hour of this litter she had 7 babies 1 month later.
And boy, have the last few months been hard work!! I read so much about hygiene with daily cleaning/disinfecting, how susceptible the babies are to gut infection, not touching them too soon but giving them all enough cuddles when older to socialise them, keeping Dad happy as he was now on his own, neutering him, building the new kennel for them, sexing the babies, finding new homes (a big worry) and finally bonding the ones I kept all back together.
A wonderful experience? but to anyone who thinks having baby bunnies is sweet - I can tell you it's really hard work. I know all the rescue people on here know that!
Anyway, thankfully the last baby bunny went to it's home yesterday. All except one went to people I know so I am happy with thier homes. The lady who I didn't know had just lost a bunny that was 9. She had turned down a previous litter she looked at as the lady said she could take the bunny immediately and it was only 4 weeks old! She came back with her 9 year old son who was beaming. My sister has taken her two to the vet who said they were very healthy babies so I was pleased and both hers are booked in to be neutered/spayed.
Finally yesterday I bonded Daisy, Banjamin, the runt Sooty Little (who I now think may be a girl !- vet will confirm next week) and another girl 'unnamed' at present!
For bonding I was a little nervous but think having read so much on here I was prepared. I had my water bottle as I knew that Daisy would be boss over Dad! I let her do all the natural stuff - humping and circling but the spray worked a treat when she tried to bite him hard. It's a bit like when I clicker train my dogs - timing is important! After a couple of direct hits, when I could see what she was thinking of doing I just had to spray the newspaper and it stopped her. This morning they all seem fine. She is the boss but Benjamin is so laid back and submissive it seems to work great. Fingers crossed it stays this way!
Anyway, here they are this morning. They have found a spot on the cage that they seem to like. On the other side they have a big dog bed and underneath some litter trays. Its lovely just sat in there watching them.
The next task is to fit a run to the front so they can come outside. I have warned my poor husband.................!!
That's my story. Thank again everyone.