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When the kits are two weeks old the nest box should be turned on its side and new bedding placed within. Keep a check on their eyes to be sure that none are developing an infection and that their eyes do not glue shut again, which could cause blindness. Treat any sign of infection with antibiotic eye ointment from your vet or a rabbit supply dealer.
As the kits begin to venture out of the box, they'll start nibbling a little "real food". Place some good grass hay in the box with them and they'll begin to eat. By three weeks they'll be interested in nibbling feed pellets. Be sure to have these in a crock which they can reach, not just in a hanging feeder on the cage wall. They will also nibble some of Mom's fecal pellets left in or near the box. This is fine and normal. Be sure to have lots of feed, water and hay available for them as they get more interested in eating. Keeping water bowls filled to near the top will help them find and reach the water they need. Do a daily "bottom check" to be sure they are not developing diarrhea as they switch over to eating regular food. Lots of grass hay will help to safeguard their digestive systems. Give them a plastic slotted mat (available from rabbit supply stores) or some cardboard to sit upon to give them rest from the wire floor. If using cardboard, replace whenever it gets soiled. After about 3 to 4 weeks remove the box from the cage, providing the temperature where they are housed is warm enough.
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Possible Complications:
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