Back to back babies!?

[A1983legend]

Let me first start off by stating we thought we had two female bunnies! We adopted them at the end of August 2018 and shortly after we were told by three different people they were both female. Fast forward to January 4th we found surprise babies. She had four but two of them didn’t make it. We immediately separated the mom and dad rabbits. We knew it was a chance that he could have impregnated her again before we knew what was going on. We were hoping for the best; however, we found another litter of 7 yesterday. One did not make it. So now we have two babies born January 4th and six babies born February 4th. I need to know what to do in this situation..the bigger babies are hopping in and out and all around the nesting box and I’m afraid they could unintentionally hurt them. But I also know they are too young to be separated from momma yet. Momma and all the babies seem to be doing good. But I’m a worried, guilt stricken mess! Will momma be able to still nurse all 8 (total) babies? Or will the older ones steal all the milk? She seems to be limiting their nursing time from what I have observed but I don’t know about when I’m not around.

[DanaNM]

Hi there,

There aren’t too many of us here that are very experienced with babies. You might get in touch with a rescue in your area if you have one to see if they can give some advice.

I know my local rescue took in a bun who gave birth to two litters very close together, and the babies only nursed a couple times a day. They had the older babies (still nursing) in a separate cage, and would put mom in with them a couple times a day. I don’t know the specifics though!

You might post on some forums that have more people experienced with babies (since breeding discussion isn’t allowed on this forum most of us don’t know much about it).

I found this thread on another forum that has good info and many helpful links on another forum:
http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/showthread.php?327923-Accidental-Litters-and-Taking-on-Babies

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[A1983legend]

Thank you!!

[Meg]

Also, check me on this, but I believe that bunnies can begin reproducing around 1 month of age, so you may need to gender-separate the older babies as well (including boys from the mom).  

[Doodler]

No, bunnies can’t reproduce at 1 month so you don’t have to separate the babies by gender yet It’s actually difficult to even gender them at this age and it’s not unusual for people to gender them incorrectly anyway. Normally they start to become fertile around 12 weeks. You might be thinking of guinea pigs.

[Bam]

Young rabbits should be separated week 12. They should preferably be together until at least 8 weeks of age, but it’s common to separate them from the mother at 6 weeks. When they are 6 weeks old, the mum can be pretty fed up with them and could become aggressive towards them when they keep bothering her. By 6 weeks they should be weaned and their diet should be alfalfa hay, junior pellets and grass hay.

Mum of course needs extra nutritious food now, having two litters back to back takes a toll.

[A1983legend]

Thank you everyone for your replies. I have been supplying mama with extra food water and hay. I feel bad for her. I wish we would have known ahead of time they were opposite genders. I would have definitely separated them long before the first litter was born if I had known.

[Asriel and Bombur]

There were people on one of your very first posts mentioning to separate them anyways for the sake of hormones and the safety of the bunnies due to hormones and potential fights. And I think someone even mentioned bunnies are often incorrectly sexed.

I hope mama and babes are doing okay

[Doodler]

A&B, I didn’t realize there were warnings provided to the OP. I now see this occurred way back in August.

I can only hope that these postings can only serve as a warning and example to new bunny owners how important it is to keep young bunnies (12+ weeks) separated no matter how well they get along and how many people have checked genders.

I know you have your hands full A1983legend and hope they all do well and can find loving new homes when they are ready. At least you know these will be the last!

[DarthVadar]

Rabbits can nurse 8 kits with little or no problems; in breeds like NZ and cali, having individual litters that big or bigger is not uncommon. The bigger babies could definitely hurt the younger kits. I would advise separating the older ones from the mom for most of the time, and putting them with her twice a day to feed. Many breeders do this full time with their litters, and the results are very good. As a result of being prey animals, rabbit moms only nurse the kits a couple times a day. They don’t lay with the kits like dogs or cats do. Right now, the mom is going through a lot. If possible, give her and the growing litter a high protein % pellet (18% is recommended for moms with babies).
I have experience with baby rabbits, I figured I’d try to help . Hope the babies are doing amazing!

[Doodler]

According to your profile these are lionhead/mini rex crosses. Especially since the doe is the lionhead, taking care of 8 kits is a lot to ask. The good news is the older two are not too far from weaning age so hopefully they’ll leave enough milk for the new ones. I hope the other forum that DanaNM linked had people experienced in this situation that were able to give you more suggestions! If not a rescue or your vet should be able to help you get through this. Good luck with them!

[A1983legend]

Thank you! I did buy a high protein food for them and they have been eating it since she had the first litter. Everything seems to be going really good so far. I did notice that the older kits don’t try to nurse as much as they used to. They are 5 weeks old now. And it looks as though our doe is feeding the newer babies very well.

[Doodler]

I’m so glad to hear they are doing well!! Please keep us posted on how the little nuggets do!!

[DarthVadar]

By 6 weeks, most kits have mostly weaned themselves. The 8 week rule is more for bonding time with mom than weaning.

[A1983legend]

I am thinking about giving them their own cage once they turn 6 weeks and then letting them have some free time with momma each day so they can still see her. I’m afraid that once the smaller babies start coming out of the nesting box that the bigger babies will accidentally hurt them. They are CRAZY hyper sometimes. Just makes me nervous having them all together.

[DarthVadar]

That is a good idea.

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