Oops Litter Help – NO Not Mine !!!!!

[Roberta]

Hi Guys,

Thought I had better clarify this is not MY oops litter. That’s well and truly sorted and I will not be host to a heard of frolicking fluff balls again any time soon.

On Sunday I got a call from Marita who runs the store where I buy my food and supplies. A lady had just called her in a state because her rabbit had given birth. Two healthy one still born. Marita thought of me because she knows I have been through this.

Of course Monday we were treated to temps just shy of 100F and the buns were outside. The whole family has now been moved indoors to a cage and babes relocated with nest, Mummy Bun nursed them just after the move. Pamela is going to keep them inside and I have recommended a vet to have him neutered. They thought rabbits came on heat like other animals and did not know to remove the male. Luckily that was the first thing Marita told them to do and Mumma Bun was still kindling so there should be no risk of another litter.

They are eager for any advice and information they can get. Many of the articles are conflicting and the last thing this family needs at the moment is more confusion.

Does anyone have some excellent tips or links to simple articles that won’t confuse them. Mainly diagrams of baby saving barriers etc, the kindling is done and dusted so preferably articles that do not have the preparatory stuff just the after care for Mum and the bubs?

I am hoping to get to their place on the weekend to have a look at their set up but due to full time work and other commitments I can’t get there any sooner.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

I don’t have articles but would say mom is going to need at least twice as much food and water as usual. She must be very careful to keep the water fresh and full =moms drink a lot. The babies can eat when they eat-if mom has unlimited veggies, hay and pellets (She should) the babies will eat when they need to-I’ve seen them eat at about 10-14 days or so if memory serves. Other than that watch for any gross discharge from the genitals which will indicate she didn’t deliver everything, and ensure she’s eating, drinking, pooping and peeing. Mom needs some time away from nursing babies-so if the cage/pen isn’t big enough that she can hop off and rest, ensure she gets some away time, especially when they start moving around and can follow and nag her.

I’m not sure what you mean by baby saving barriers-do you mean to keep them in the cage/pen? What kind of setup is she in now?

[Roberta]

They were in a story hutch, Daddy is now removed and separate and they have all been moved indoors.
I mentioned the increased food for Mummy but the point about discharge is a good catch, I’ll make sure I mention that.

Baby Savers – My bungalow has wire all around and ground level, just the right size for a wriggly bundle to sneak through. I took the plastic bottoms out of enviro shopping bags, cut them into 6 inch wide strips and threaded them around the bars to prevent escapes.

It’s been 12 months since my “little surprises” so I have forgotten a lot of the tips I picked up at the time.

[Author]

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