KIT CARE (BIRTH - 2 WEEKS)

The day after delivery we check each baby to see whether it is nursing and getting enough milk. This is best done in the morning, as does often will nurse their litter in the early wee hours. Holding the baby so that you can see its belly, look to its left side (it will be next to your right hand). If the baby has nursed, you will see the little belly full of milk bulging off on that side and can probably even see through the transparent skin to see that it is light-colored.

Does will only nurse the litter once or twice a day, so don't worry if you don't see her in there with them very often. On the other hand, if you don't see a "milk belly" by the end of the first day, or on the morning of the second, you may have a doe that isn't producing milk or lacks maternal instinct. Check the doe to see if: 1) She has pulled the wool from her belly so the kits can find the nipples. If not, you may have to do this for her. Just pluck the fur away from around the nipples (she has eight - two are between her front legs). 2) She is producing milk. Squeeze a nipple gently from just below the base, and pull upward. You should see a little drop of milk expressed. If you feel that the litter hasn't eaten by the beginning of the second day and you don't think the doe will care for them, it may be in their best interest to foster them off to another doe or does. Just try to be sure when fostering that the kits are all of same size/strength and that the foster doe is not getting too many to care for (no more than 5 or 6 for smaller does).

We check each litter daily until weaning to be sure that all are doing well. Change the bedding if it becomes soiled or damp.

The kits' eyes will open around day 12 to 14. Turn the box on its side around the second week. This will help insure that kits who jump out can get back in, and will lessen the chance of infections or illness. For the first few days, I just pull the nesting material down and let them continue using it for bedding, since they need warmth and the wool/hay mixed together is more likely to stay put in the box. After that, we remove the old bedding and put fresh hay or shavings in the box. Mom bunny will sit on top of the upturned box to get some relief, and the babies will start coming out to explore the world gradually.

Possible Comsplications

Doe stops Milking After a Week or so:  Your daily kit check shows that the litter isn't getting any milk about 7-10 days after birth. This could occur because the doe has a uterine infection, has developed mastitis, or because she isn't getting enough food or water. Make sure she's getting adequate nutrition. If she acts listless, is off her feed, has very swollen and hot teats, or has a temperature (over 102.5 F), see a vet or treat with antibiotics if you are experienced.

Kits Dead in the Nest Box Between Days 2-10:  Could be from lack of milk, getting too cold, infection/illness from urine or feces, or milk enterotoxemia (if the doe is an extremely heavy milker - bring the doe up to full feed gradually for a couple days after delivery). If the doe was frightened, she could have jumped in the nestbox and stomped the babies. If the box was too large, she could have smothered them while lounging in the box.

Kits Eyes Don't Open by Day 14:  If the eyes do not open it could actually cause the baby to develop blindness. To open the eyes, swab gently with a cotton ball or cloth dipped in some warm water and very gently pull them open from above and below with your fingers. I'd probably add a little antibiotic eye ointment for good measure.