Feel really stupid as this is the second accidental litter. My male managed to break through the door of my females run and the result is 2 babies. This had happened before (last time my fault as I didn’t shut her door properly). Last time she had 6 babies and raised them fine and all went to good homes. This time she only had 2 is that normal? She is almost 4 so maybe because she is old? They are in a hutch within a shed although Mum can have the run of it as the hutch is open. Babies seem big compared to last ones (compared photos) and they already have some fur. Wondering if they will be ok and/or if she could have some babies stuck inside. She was energetic today although still not eating pellets. Is it possible she could give birth to more? Thanks for reading.
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Only 2 babies (accidental litter)
- Thread starter popcorn77
- Start date
Most of us on here don’t have experience of breeding, birth and babies. I would advise ringing a rabbit savvy exotics vet ASAP for advice. This thread may be helpful http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?327923-Accidental-Litters-and-Taking-on-Babies
Liz47
Wise Old Thumper
I've no experience really but apparently the average litter size is 2-4? I hand reared an abandoned litter of 4. I'd say if she is moving around, eating, doesn't seem stressed and the babies are being well looked after she's had a small litter. Is it safe for you to check there's no dead babies she may have moved away from the nest? Almost 4 isn't old for a rabbit, hopefully she should live to 8 plus. Sounds like male bunny is pretty determined, are there any plans on getting them spayed/neutered?
Thank you. I thought about getting them neutered but don’t really have the money as there has been a change in my personal circumstances. They seem really happy just nuzzling through the wires and will lick each other and lie next to each other. The male chewed through fox proof wire to get in and they were both in her run side by side happy as larry when I checked on them. There is no way this can happen again as ive changed it to metal wire so impossible to get through. Is it normal for female not to eat pellets after giving birth? She wasn’t bothered by me checking the babies she is not especially territorial but very very food aggressive (have to scatter feed ir she would have my fingers if I filled a bowl)and always has been so she was charging and lunging for food but not eating it when given.
Rabbit kits are not normally born with fur. It takes several days for fur to grow. That being the case and the fact these kits appear larger, I would make absolutely sure that there are no dead kits in the nest.
I think I would be concerned that she is not eating pellets. What is she eating? She is presumably feeding the kits and so will need to have a good intake of calories. I would telephone the vet and ask for advice.
I hope you don't mind me saying, but I would also urge you to reconsider where you are housing the Mum and Dad bunnies. I accept that you have now made it more secure and so this issue shouldn't happen again. However, your entire buck will be very frustrated living so close to an unspayed female and will be very determined to try to get to her again. This could result in him becoming injured. Perhaps house them completely separately away from each other.
I think I would be concerned that she is not eating pellets. What is she eating? She is presumably feeding the kits and so will need to have a good intake of calories. I would telephone the vet and ask for advice.
I hope you don't mind me saying, but I would also urge you to reconsider where you are housing the Mum and Dad bunnies. I accept that you have now made it more secure and so this issue shouldn't happen again. However, your entire buck will be very frustrated living so close to an unspayed female and will be very determined to try to get to her again. This could result in him becoming injured. Perhaps house them completely separately away from each other.
bunny momma
Wise Old Thumper
Litter size can vary even with same pair. That being said, 30 years ago my dwarf Princess had two live babies. She was running around and accidentally jumped on babies that died before having large stillborn on way to vet. Vet said no more babies yet she had another stillborn after arriving home.
I would check with vet because your doe not wanting to eat can lead to stasis.
I would check with vet because your doe not wanting to eat can lead to stasis.
They were definitely born last night as I have been checking for them and as I said she doesn’t mind me doing that so has been thoroughly checked and no dead ones and definitely a completely empty nest yesterday. Has been exactly 31 days since breeding too so they arrived bang on time. Im confused by the fur and size too, not sure how to post a pic or I would. Don't-think my male is frustrated as he is very sweet and docile. Enjoys snuggling his girl through the bars and is healthy and happy. There is no way he can get to her now though!
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
The two kits you can see may have been born a few weeks ago. Dont be surprised if she kindles again in a few days time. The Doe usually eats very little in the 24 hours BEFORE kindling. So you may find a nest of newborn kits very soon.
I agree. The big problem is IF she were to get pregnant again it will leech the calcium from her bones and she will become arthritic and her teeth will start to move in their sockets resulting in her having to have teeth out. 2 litters close together is a lot of strain on the Mum's body etc, so please ensure the boy can't get to her. I took on a female who had been kept with the male and had many litters (dead) and she was in a very poorly state and needed her front teeth out as they had become loose. It was very sad to see.
mismatchbunnies
Warren Scout
Hi! I’ve read some of the replies to this thread and I would agree with what people have said. One thing I’d note is that you said you haven’t got either of your bunnies fixed due to financial reasons (hence the litter). I completely respect that you may not be able to afford the surgeries, but definitely in the case of the doe (female) I would reach out to some animal rescues and/or vets once the babies have been weaned to see if they would be able to offer you some financial help in order to help you pay for the spay. This is because as you mentioned she is 4 years old and by the age of 5, unspayed female rabbits have an 80% chance of getting uterine cancer which can be fatal, as well as the obvious of preventing more unwanted litters. Whilst I would also advise you getting the male neutered, I feel that the more pressing of the two issues is definitely getting the female spayed for the reason above. I hope you take my advice into consideration and hope all the babies do well and find homes!
Thank you I respect all the advice. My vet said the female will not be at risk of cancer as she has been bred is this right? I will look into it however. Will Mum and daughter not fight if unable to get them spayed for a while? She was great with her babies last time but they were all rehomed by 8 weeks. Babies are doing well today, Mum has pulled more fur and they felt warm!
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
No, this is not correct advice
''It’s important to note that whether or not a doe has been bred doesn’t seem to impact her cancer risk. In other words, you cannot protect her from developing uterine cancers by breeding from her, or by not breeding from her.''
Full details here
https://www.goddardvetgroup.co.uk/do-rabbits-really-get-womb-cancer/
The fact that your Doe is still exhibiting nesting behaviour and that the 'newborn kits' are apparently fully covered in fur makes more more sure another litter is on its way.
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Yes, they will fight if they are not spayed.
mismatchbunnies
Warren Scout
No, your vet’s advice is NOT right. 80% of ALL female rabbits, regardless of the breed develop uterine cancer by the age of 5. There are no exceptions. I do not mean this to sounds rude but I would look into getting another rabbit if this is their advice as any vet regardless should know this major risk of cancer in rabbits - ideally look for one who specialises in rabbits. And it will all depend on the bunnies’ personalities of the mum and daughter as to whether they fight or not if they aren’t spayed. I would ALWAYS recommend spaying rabbits for the risk above as well as territorial hormonal behaviour which almost always occurs in unfixed females. I have seen one case of an unfixed mum and daughter being bonded through volunteering at a local rabbit rescue but have also heard of it ending in severe fights between unspayed female; like I said it is always safer to spay your pets regardless.
mismatchbunnies
Warren Scout
I meant getting another VET*** sorry about the typo
