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Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Urgent – Advice Needed!!

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    • alienkitties
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        Hi – I need some advice please!! I have a foster/rescue bunny who is housed outside. The plan was to bring her in after we returned from xmas (I was just able to purchase panels to make an inside condo for her and a couple other bunnies.) But I returned today – and found a box filled with fur, and I saw blood/placenta? I have not checked in the box, because someone said it could upset her, and she would desert the babies, or eat them. 

        I live in Kansas. Our weather is WINDY and very cold! I did not expect her to have bunnies, and so we are unprepared. The babies (if alive) are in a wooden box, covered with some fur, but it is maybe around 5 degrees F here, and although they are in a hutch/boxed area, it is brutally cold. Should I chance moving the box in side and her? She HATES being picked up. It is not close to the house, but I don’t know what else to do. Would they be warm enough outside??? I sure don’t think so. But I have no experience with baby bunnies.

        It is midnight here, and I am afraid to go out and bug her. What to do??

        Any advice is appreciated.


      • alienkitties
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          I also have to say, I was just reading more posts, and I am now TERRIFIED of trying to move her or the babies inside! I don’t want to trigger her to eat them!!

          I have straw at the bottom of her hutch, and if she stays inside she shouldn’t be too uncomfortable, but what about the babies? The box they were laid in just happens to be a birthing box, so that at least is good. I don’t know! 


        • Monkeybun
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            She won’t eat her babies if you handle them, they will be much safer if you move them inside. That is far far far too cold for them outside!


          • jerseygirl
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              Move them in. Give her enough space to be away from them. The mums only visit them to feed but generally stay away from the babies. Try bring the entire nest and any extra fur you find. Make sure you check around the hutch for any babies that weren’t born in the nest too.

              She won’t eat them because you’ve handled them.
              The mums will eat the after birth. Sometimes they know when a kit won’t survive and remove it from the nest. They *sometimes* eat these but it’s just natures way. It gives protein to help her feed the others. Sometimes under nourished rabbits eat their kits or if they’re very young mothers. But this would happen anyway and not be to do with their owners distubing them.
              It’s quite ok to pick the babies up each day to check their tummys are full.

              Can you bring the entire hutch inside? That would be the easiest thing to do.


            • Roberta
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                Move them all inside immediately. If you can move the whole hitch do so. Get a small box and line it with soft warm fabric lift the babies into it then transfer the nest in total without disturbing it, make sure you keep all the fur. Once you go inside place the nest where you intend them staying a small square box with a hole in front big enough for mummy to get into will be fine. Place the babies back in and make sure you line the nest with the fur and cover them with it again. There should already be a little fur lined well in the middle, try to keep it intact when you move it. Mum will not eat the babies that happens rarely and only if the babies are ill or if under threat from predators. If there is still placenta bout she obviously has not long given birth as they will eat it quickly after all the babies are delivered. Do not be concerned if Mummy looks like she is ignoring them, they generally only feed the babies once, maybe twice a day for a few minutes, usually at night or early morning. The key is to monitor the babies, they should have fat tummies and smooth skin. If the babies get cold they cannot eat so it is extremely important they are kept warm, if they get cold you can raise their temp with a heat pad or pack, placing a warm tile or brick under them wrapped in a soft cloth will also work. Mummy is going to need unlimited food. Hay, pellets and greens as her appetite will treble to keep up with milk production. I have had two oops litters, I will see if I can find the original post with some of the advice I received… But please get them all inside immediately


              • jerseygirl
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                  This article will be very useful.
                  http://www.rabbit.org/care/babies.html

                  If you are unable to bring them in tonight, be sure to cover the hutch to protect from drafts. I’d also add some bottles filled with hot water and covered with an old sock. You could put these in the boxed area where the nest is and one for where the mum likes to hang out. Give extra food for her and more hay and straw. Id be doing this for the other rabbits too if its that cold. Good luck!


                • LBJ10
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                    I really hope you moved them inside. It is a myth that the mother will eat the babies if you handle them.


                  • alienkitties
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                      Thank you – the advice was timely. I did go ahead and bring them all in. Currently, I have simply put them in the tub with cube walls to keep the mom in. It is not the best situation, but will do for a few days until I can get a better set up going. I have provided a section for the babies, (they are currently still in the birthing box she ended up using – yea her!!) so I just left them in it, and brought it in. There is just enough space next to their box if she wants space, and down by the food/litter area. I did give her a level up, but I don’t have a ramp yet. I will have to figure one out real fast – so she has plenty of space until I figure housing out.

                      She is a rescue bunny, this was a semi-surprise. I thought she was either pregnant, or getting fat REAL fast! I could feel her weight more at her ribs though, so assumed she came to me pregnant. But I had no idea for sure, or what her full background was. I do know this is her first litter, and that she is about 8 months old or so. I had her in a divided hutch with 3 sections, so couldn’t just bring it in.

                      I did, after reading your advice, count the bunnies and check for dead, so far, it seems as if there are 6 and all are living. I did NOT pick any up yet, as she HATES HATES HATES being picked up, and I really stressed her getting her out of the hutch to bring her in. I am hoping all will be well. I will go in later today, pet her – calm her, and then give them a real check up as suggested.

                      I am grateful for the timely advice. Sometimes with rescue you jump in, and although the heart is good, the lack of knowledge can come up and bop you on the head. THANK YOU.


                    • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                        Wonderful!! Thank you for the update. What a surprise to find! I think the story (born on 25th) will help the rescue to promote adopting these little babies!

                        As a new member, I just want to point you to our rules here https://binkybunny.com/FORUM/tabid/54/aft/10084/Default.aspx as we do have a rule about posting pictures of baby bunnies You can certainly discuss and ask any questions though!

                        How wonderful of you to foster momma and the kits!


                      • alienkitties
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                          Thanks – yeah, I won’t be posting the pics. I think it is a hard, but GOOD rule. Everyone might enjoy the pictures of new life, but the reasons are sound, and I support them.

                          When I started the rescue this spring/summer, I didn’t think far enough to “what if I get one that is pregnant?” !!!!

                          I will be submitting a question soon regarding bonding… can’t wait for some advice on that! Thanks again everyone!


                        • Kokaneeandkahlua
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                            I can only imagine what a surprise this was! I brought home a stray dog a few years ago and before I could locate where she had come from she had pups at my house-so I definitely understand the ‘oh wow!’ lol! I really hope the rescue is supportive of you too, right now the kits are easy but when they start bopping around it’s certainly going to be a lot of work for you!


                          • jerseygirl
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                              I did, after reading your advice, count the bunnies and check for dead, so far, it seems as if there are 6 and all are living. I did NOT pick any up yet, as she HATES HATES HATES being picked up, and I really stressed her getting her out of the hutch to bring her in. I am hoping all will be well. I will go in later today, pet her – calm her, and then give them a real check up as suggested.

                              You’ve done the right thing. As the babies were only just born, they probably not been fed yet. Her milk may not have come in yet. So leaving them warm and undisturbed in the nest is fine at this stage. They quickly become wrigglers so in a few days you’ll want to do head counts. Lol

                              You might notice a change in the mother. I took in a rabbit this year who gave birth a week after I had her. She was very vocal and petrified but the morning after she delivered, she was a much calmer, more comfortable rabbit.
                              It might take some time but hopefully you’ll see this one calm down and come to trust you more.


                            • Roberta
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                                I agree with Jersey,
                                Being pregnant and in a strange place probably had her on her guard. It would be a good idea to check the babies today and make sure they have little fat tummies and it won’t be long before you have furry pop corn bouncing about the place. They get into everything so be wary of deep water crocks or things they could drown in or any blankets or towels with loose threads they can get round their feet or necks. I posted some time line photo’s on a similar thread recently, I was going to delete them but decided to leave them up in case anyone had similar problems in the future, it should give you an idea what to expect growth wise over the next few weeks.


                              • Roberta
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                                  Finally found it https://binkybunny.com/tabid/54/aft/122527/Default.aspx
                                  I will reiterate what I posted in the previous thread.. I would discourage anyone from intentionally having a litter, they are beautiful but it is a heartbreaking event especially when they have to be rehomed. These pics are purely for reference only.


                                • alienkitties
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                                    I was able to get the 2 male bunnies fixed a few weeks ago, but apparently fixing female bunnies is quite a bit more expensive, so have to save up for the other 2 females. I guess I am glad I did not take CeeCee in, as that would not have been good for her or the little babies.

                                    Animals sure are cute, but quite a bit of work! I am not sure I am ready for 6 more bunnies, but oh well. Guess God decided I would be. She is still very tense, so I will not be going in tonight to check any further. After I brought her in she did go to the birthing box when she heard them whining. I figure that was a good sign? They are currently covered still.

                                    As for them being like popcorn – that starts right away! The were already jumping around a little when I removed the fur cover to make sure they were living. I had to touch one with a fingertip to see if it was alive, it was so still. But after I touched it, it and the one next to it, moved around like all the rest. They are already almost bouncing. I need to get a better box/setup for them – rather than this wooden birthing box. It is long and narrow, and while it does protect them some, it sure won’t provide much room.


                                  • LoveChaCha
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                                      I’m not sure if the buns are bonded or not, but beware with the just newly fixed males because they still have sperm that is still in them for a few weeks after


                                    • LittlePuffyTail
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                                        I’m so glad you were able to bring her in. Keep us updated on the babies!


                                      • alienkitties
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                                          I read somewhere to keep the males separate for at least a month because of left-over’s… so they are kept in their own hutches. CeeCee’s pregnancy was from a different bunny who is not with us.

                                          I was able to get a re-count today – there are SEVEN little popcorns.

                                          How long can I leave them in the narrow birthing box? When should I move them into a bigger box?


                                        • Roberta
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                                            LOL….Is the opening at the front ??? They’ll decide for you It’s not unusual for someone to hitch a ride on Mums teet and once their eyes open at about 10 days there is no stopping them once they can actually see Mummy Milkbar…
                                            If your male is desexed and was done over a month ago you should be OK just not sure how a boy bun goes with babies that aren’t his. My Piglet was amazing but they were his babies (you would have thought he kindled them personally he was such a doting Dad)


                                          • alienkitties
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                                              They are almost popping out of the box already. I have had to keep eagle eyeing them for the past day. Today I will take them all out to be weighed and evaluated. I will be making new housing for her out of the bathtub, and hope that she stays calm. I would leave them in the bathroom, but when they are no longer in the little box, it will be hard to keep them warm enough in there. I need to put them in a bigger box that will allow more room, but still coverage – and her enough room to GO DO something. It is so boring in there for her, and just no room to move much with their box in the way.

                                              I will head to the store tonight for some remnants for protecting the floor with. Then use the cubes to make a larger condo, and place a new box with all her old fur, but add some towels to the bottom for warmth/protection. Does that sound right?


                                            • alienkitties
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                                                Okay – I MOVED them out of the bathtub last night. Not sure if that was good or not – but I need to try to get them to where they will be in the long run – we need that bathroom!! LOL (children running desperately upstairs because they forgot!) Also, since we heat with a wood stove, I need to be able to have them somewhere more open for heat. Soooo – I moved them into the only bedroom I have downstairs, and I made a larger enclosure. It is not perfect, and I am having some problems with accessability, but I can’t see a way around that until the babies are bigger, as until they are larger, I have to keep them protected from my idjit cat Misdemeanor.

                                                1. I moved them into a larger box (picture of the box NOT fluffy babies.) But I think I will need to put a larger layer of straw under to absorb pee. So much to learn so fast… Should I remove peed on bedding daily? Not daily? I don’t want them getting too cold from laying in it.

                                                It was a stressful night (for ME) watching the mom and making sure it wasn’t too cold in there, making sure the cats left her alone…, etc. She is peeing all over the cardboard on the floor which is frustrating, but understandable. Now I need to get another layer of absorbent something between the cardboard and the carpet. I was hoping she would be good, but nope. So I will need to displace her for that surgery too…

                                                She has been moving around the new cage nicely, wish it was better, but it is what it is for now. I do think she fed the babies ok last night. I will need to let her have today before messing with her/them again. It IS easier to get to her litter to clean now – just harder to see to the babies, and clean the areas I didn’t think she’d be going on. More later.

                                                Oh – and by the way – there are not 6 like at first sight, nor are there 7 at finger touch to see if they were alive… there are EIGHT little popcorns!!!


                                              • alienkitties
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                                                  Couldn’t get the photos too load – files too big. I will have to wait on that.


                                                • Roberta
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                                                    Posted By alienkitties on 12/31/2012 11:17 AM

                                                    Okay – I MOVED them out of the bathtub last night. Not sure if that was good or not – but I need to try to get them to where they will be in the long run – we need that bathroom!! LOL (children running desperately upstairs because they forgot!) Also, since we heat with a wood stove, I need to be able to have them somewhere more open for heat. Soooo – I moved them into the only bedroom I have downstairs, and I made a larger enclosure. It is not perfect, and I am having some problems with accessability, but I can’t see a way around that until the babies are bigger, as until they are larger, I have to keep them protected from my idjit cat Misdemeanor.

                                                    Hi Alien Kitties, the bedroom sounds perfect accessability is always an issue I am constantly stepping over Xpens. At 6 days old they still need help keeping warm but the real fun will start in another 4 – 6 days when their eyes open. If you looked at the link I sent you will see a pic of mine in a seedling tray, once they were mobile it was impossible keeping them in a box but the tray lined with a soft blanket was ideal  As they get bigger they tend to keep each other warm and rely less on the fur blanket their Mum provided. If there are any parts of the enclosure that can be wriggled through make sure you put in a baby saver (something flexible threaded through the bars)

                                                    1. I moved them into a larger box (picture of the box NOT fluffy babies.) But I think I will need to put a larger layer of straw under to absorb pee. So much to learn so fast… Should I remove peed on bedding daily? Not daily? I don’t want them getting too cold from laying in it.

                                                    You could line the box with several sheets of newspaper that is more absorbent and will also insulate the box. At this age they won’t be peeing or pooping much so just monitor the box, Mum is likely to be the cause of any pee or poo in the box.

                                                    It was a stressful night (for ME) watching the mom and making sure it wasn’t too cold in there, making sure the cats left her alone…, etc. She is peeing all over the cardboard on the floor which is frustrating, but understandable. Now I need to get another layer of absorbent something between the cardboard and the carpet. I was hoping she would be good, but nope. So I will need to displace her for that surgery too…

                                                    Now they are inside it should not be to much of a problem keeping them warm. Once again, news paper, it’s absorbent and insulating, try putting some between the carpet and cardboard, you could also put a shower curtain or plastic sheet at the very bottom.

                                                    She has been moving around the new cage nicely, wish it was better, but it is what it is for now. I do think she fed the babies ok last night. I will need to let her have today before messing with her/them again. It IS easier to get to her litter to clean now – just harder to see to the babies, and clean the areas I didn’t think she’d be going on. More later.

                                                    To check if the babies are being fed just lift them out gently, their tummies should be fat and full and their skin smooth, not loose or wrinkled.

                                                    Oh – and by the way – there are not 6 like at first sight, nor are there 7 at finger touch to see if they were alive… there are EIGHT little popcorns!!!

                                                    Eight…. Oh you are going to have some fun…..

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                                                Forum HOUSE RABBIT Q & A Urgent – Advice Needed!!