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Does
will normally deliver at 31 - 32 days after breeding,
and management practices at this time may make the difference between saving and
losing litters.
The
gestation period, or the period from breeding to kindling, is normally 31 to 32
days. Kindling (birth) may occur as early as 28 days or as late as 35 days;
however, approximately 98 percent of the normal litters will be kindled between
the 30th and 33rd day.
Adjust
the feeding program of dry does to prevent
over-conditioning (getting fat). Fat does probably will have problems at birth,
with milking, rebreeding and conception.
The nest box
should be placed in the cage at the 28th day of gestation so the doe can build
her nest. Before adding the nest box, wash and disinfect the box and cage floor.
The nest box should be approximately 2/3 full of bedding such as shavings,
straw, etc. Never use cedar chips as this
can kill your
newborns. During cold weather, the addition of insulation board at
the bottom will preserve heat. During hot weather (90º F and above) use a
bedding that prevents bunnies from burrowing and remove some of the loose
bedding and fur for better air circulation.
Quiet! is the
word when nervous does are kindling. Avoid handling the does, if possible, and
keep dogs and other animals from causing distractions. Strangers (to the
rabbits) should not be allowed in the area, and routine chores should be
performed in an organized, quiet manner. In all cases, avoid loud and unusual
noises. Examine the nest soon after kindling, record the birth date and remove
mortalities. Nest boxes can be removed when all bunnies have left it - usually
by the 21st day. If, after the kits eyes are well opened, the nest box
keeps becoming fouled, pull the old box and tip a clean one on its side.
The kits will have a place to huddle together and get off the wire and the doe a
place to escape her ever hungry young.
Extra pulled
fur is a good resource to have in the rabbitry. Most does will pull more
than enough fur for their litter. First time does frequently do not, in
which case you will need to add fur to the nest box to help the kittens retain
body heat (newborns do not produce enough heat to sustain them, even with fur,
unless there are at least 2 in the warm months and 3 in the cold ones).
After a doe gives birth, use your best judgment and remove any excess clean dry
fur and save it for those who do not pull enough or foul their box.
Polyfill can also be used in the nest box.
We
occasionally will give our does about to kindle a slice of raw bacon. This
can help prevent the doe from eating her young. I have had this practice
questioned due to the parasites in raw pork and it made sense to me.
However, it was recommended by a long time breeder and I never had problems from
it.
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