Laboring Doe

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TBRADYBUNCH

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We purchased a doe who has had a couple litters in the past with no problems. She was pregnant when we received her. She finally started nesting last night. She made her nest in a small area outside of her nesting box. She delivered one kit when my husband removed the nesting box scared she would step on the babies in the small area. She hasn't delivered any more kits since that time. It is evident that she has more than one kit to be delivered. Is it possible she stopped delivering because of the change in her cage during labor/delivery? What should or can I do to help her?
 
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Put the nest box back in and move her nest into the nestbox. She has nowhere to put her babies. Unless moms nails are super sharp, which they shouldn't be if you are trimming them like your supposed to, then there is no need to take out the nestbox. What breed is she?
 
Augustus&HazelGrace said:
Put the nest box back in and move her nest into the nestbox. She has nowhere to put her babies. Unless moms nails are super sharp, which they shouldn't be if you are trimming them like your supposed to, then there is no need to take out the nestbox. What breed is she?
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We cut her nails earlier this week. She is a Himalayan. So it is possible that she stopped her delivery?
 
TBRADYBUNCH said:
We cut her nails earlier this week. She is a Himalayan. So it is possible that she stopped her delivery?
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Well, if she clearly has more kits, then yes, it could be stopped. I had a doe recently who had trouble giving birth, she'd have them all over the cage (was overdue as well) and didn't have them in a consistent manner like most rabbit births, so what I did when she stopped delivering was massage her stomach and kind of direct the kit downwards, then she'd take over from there. I don't know if this is something that is true, necessarily, but it worked for me, and her, to remind her she needed to get the rest out and kind of start her contractions again.

Also, if she seems in distress, or pain, or there's bleeding from her vulva, get her to an exotic vet ASAP.
 
Yes, it is possible that she stopped her delivery. If you have not had her very long and you disturbed her while she was giving birth she could feel that it is not a safe place to have her babies. After you give her her nest box back and put her nest in the nestbox then leave her alone with only hourly checks for babies. Don't touch her and just peek in for them. I don't know if you have her inside or outside but if she is inside then you could put a blanket over the cage and try to stay out of her room or at least be quiet if she is in a main area of the house and make sure no dogs or cats are in the room bothering her. If she is outside then just try to make sure that no dogs or other animals that you may have bothering her. Also, agree with above. And Himilyans have at least 6 kits at a time. But I would also check with the previous owner and see how many she normally has.
 
Velveteen Lop said:
Well, if she clearly has more kits, then yes, it could be stopped. I had a doe recently who had trouble giving birth, she'd have them all over the cage (was overdue as well) and didn't have them in a consistent manner like most rabbit births, so what I did when she stopped delivering was massage her stomach and kind of direct the kit downwards, then she'd take over from there. I don't know if this is something that is true, necessarily, but it worked for me, and her, to remind her she needed to get the rest out and kind of start her contractions again.

Also, if she seems in distress, or pain, or there's bleeding from her vulva, get her to an exotic vet ASAP.
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Thank you. She does not seem distressed or in pain at the moment. Will keep a close eye on her.
 
Augustus&HazelGrace said:
Yes, it is possible that she stopped her delivery. If you have not had her very long and you disturbed her while she was giving birth she could feel that it is not a safe place to have her babies. After you give her her nest box back and put her nest in the nestbox then leave her alone with only hourly checks for babies. Don't touch her and just peek in for them. I don't know if you have her inside or outside but if she is inside then you could put a blanket over the cage and try to stay out of her room or at least be quiet if she is in a main area of the house and make sure no dogs or cats are in the room bothering her. If she is outside then just try to make sure that no dogs or other animals that you may have bothering her. Also, agree with above. And Himilyans have at least 6 kits at a time. But I would also check with the previous owner and see how many she normally has.
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She is inside. I will put the nesting box back in and put the nest in it, then move her to a room where she can have complete privacy. I really appreciate the advice! This is my daughter's new show rabbit for 4-H and she is extremely concerned! We're hoping to have some healthy Easter bunnies!
 
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