Fast Breathing in New Mom

[RobiiX]

My Holland Lop gave birth on the 24th of November (unintentional breeding) this is her second litter and I’m noticing she’s acting different. On her first litter she didn’t get her milk in right away but when she did she fed her babies twice a day. On this litter she is feeding them 3-4 times a day for a couple of minutes at a time and she seems completely worn out.

Her breathing is rapid, and she lays down in one place for long periods of time. Her food and water intake seems fine, she also passes urine and poop fine. I’m very worried about her breathing and appreciate any replies.

[Roberta]

What’s the weather like we here you are at the moment ? How old is she ? How long ago did she have them ? And if you haven’t already looked into it please see your vet about having her spayed. I can sympathise, I got caught with two Oops litters. Now is a great time to get Daddy neutered and remember the little blighters have viable sperm for 4_5 weeks post neuter and girls, because they don’t go into heat likes dogs and cats, can get pregnant immediately after giving birth as they ovulate see on demand.

[Roberta]

Also how long ago was the first oops litter?

[RobiiX]

I learned the hard way that they can get pregnant right away, her first oops litter was October 25th. But since she’s had this second litter she has been separated from her boyfriend so that it doesn’t happen again. I plan to have her spayed as soon as I can come up with the money.

I live in newfoundland Canada, it’s been very cold so I’ve been keeping the heat on for the newest litter. I thought she might be too warm so in addition to fresh cold water 3x a day I also put some ice cubes in a dish but she doesn’t seem too interested.

She’s actually been pretty active here this morning, exploring outside of her cage but when she lays down she looks completely exhausted, and that’s when I notice the fast breathing.

[RobiiX]

I’m in Newfoundland, Canada. It’s rather cold so I’ve been keeping the heat up for the newest litter.

The mom and dad are in separate XL cages and have separate out of cage play times.

My first oops litter was only October 25th, so I know now how fast the female can get pregnant after having a litter.

I’ve been changing her water 3-4 times a day to make sure it’s cold

[Roberta]

Have you had her to the vet to be checked out post litter. It is a good idea with an oops litter just make sure sure Mum and the Bubs are OK. Also make sure the house isn’t too warm, any thing over 27c/80f is the line for concern with heat stress. The nest should be well enough insulated with fur and whatever else she put in there. If she is trying to feed two litters as well it will place a considerable strain on her, possibly separate the older kits and just give them a few hours with her during playtime. Most imporatntly of all, keep the food coming 24/7 the older ones should be starting to forage and eat solid foods now, they mainly need Mums spare cecals for the gut flora and the occasional top up from the milk bar.

[Roberta]

I would say the extra feeding is caused by the need and demand for so much more milk, she is probably trying to make sure the new ones don’t miss out because the older ones are drinking her dry. Weening isn’t until 8 weeks noramlly but it might be an idea to start from 6 weeks limiting them to one feed a day other wise the odler ones will follow her every where and feed on demand.

[RobiiX]

Her first litter were waned and separated before these little ones were born.

And I’d say the temperature in the house is an average 20 degrees Celsius. I’m happy to say her breathing is getting back to normal and she doesn’t seem so worn out

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