blackdutch
Well-Known Member
I have two litters due next week.. so I'mgetting ready. I've been reading through some articles and I waswondering what your opinions were.
First off, one doe is a first time mother, and the other doe had alitter of 8 that all died for multiple reasons; she wasn't a very goodmilker (the last ones died because they were weak, underfed), a few ofthem got out somehow (possibly stuck to her while nursing)andfroze (she attempted to keep them warm by burrying them in the sawdusther cage). So, this is her second try.My rabbitry isinclosed, but not insulated. The cages are surrounded by wire on thesides, but the bottom is wooden and the ceiling is wooden.
I have metal nestboxes- is this a problem? Should I get/make the wooden ones or will the metal ones do?
Should I get infared lights to hook up above the nestboxes.. will the mother sit on her babies to stay in the light?
I think thats it..lol.
Thanks!
EDIT: Just thought of another question. If I have to send some babiesto the other doe, is there anything I could mark the babies with tosignify they are from the other litter? Also, what is the maximum agedifference a mother will accept? If one doe gives birth a week or lessbefore/after the other doe, will the other doe still accept the babies?
First off, one doe is a first time mother, and the other doe had alitter of 8 that all died for multiple reasons; she wasn't a very goodmilker (the last ones died because they were weak, underfed), a few ofthem got out somehow (possibly stuck to her while nursing)andfroze (she attempted to keep them warm by burrying them in the sawdusther cage). So, this is her second try.My rabbitry isinclosed, but not insulated. The cages are surrounded by wire on thesides, but the bottom is wooden and the ceiling is wooden.
I have metal nestboxes- is this a problem? Should I get/make the wooden ones or will the metal ones do?
Should I get infared lights to hook up above the nestboxes.. will the mother sit on her babies to stay in the light?
I think thats it..lol.
Thanks!
EDIT: Just thought of another question. If I have to send some babiesto the other doe, is there anything I could mark the babies with tosignify they are from the other litter? Also, what is the maximum agedifference a mother will accept? If one doe gives birth a week or lessbefore/after the other doe, will the other doe still accept the babies?