my doe had litter of six a week ago yesterday! when will there eyes open.
Thanks,
Kirsten
2007-03-21 01:40:03 · 6 answers · asked by Kw 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Their eyes should open when their 10 days old.
Look at each bun that evening & check.
If the eyes appear to be 'crusty' & still closed, take some warm water & a paper towel or soft cloth & GENTLY wipe their eyes to try to dissolve the crust.
Do this twice a day until their eyes are opened,morning & evening.
Good Luck & Congrats on the babies!!
If you have any questions feel free to email me & I will help you out the best I can
I have 2 litters that are just starting to jump out of the nest box...they are going to be a hand full for their mommas!
Also have 4 litters due in two weeks & breeding our flemish does for the 1st time tommorrow...yay!
2007-03-21 02:38:17 · answer #1 · answered by vanne676 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is going to be a long thing to read, SORRY!
Although rabbits build nests, they are not chickens and, after initial preparation, will not sit on their nests. They also do not stay on or by the nests after the babies are born. This would attract the attention of predators. The babies burrow to the bottom of the nest where they remain hidden until Mamma Rabbit wakes them up at mealtime.
Only rarely does a mother rabbit nurse her young right after giving birth. Most often the first nursing will occur the night after the kindling. The rabbit's rich milk sustains the babies for 24 hours at a time. The preferred mealtime is between midnight and 5:00 a.m.
A mother rabbit does not lie down in the nest, as a cat would do, but stands over the babies to nurse them. She does, however, clean them and lick their bellies and bottoms to stimulate elimination in much the same way as a cat.
If you want definite proof that the babies are being cared for, check them early each morning. They should be warm and round-bellied. The best way to know for sure is to weigh them on a small postage scale or kitchen scale. Write down a description and the weight. If they're gaining weight (1/4 oz. or so), they're being fed.
You can handle the babies even if the mother doesn't know you. Domestic rabbits are not that concerned over human smells.
Rabbits are not prone to cannibalism, as many people think. Cannibalism is an occasional result of a stillborn litter, and this is nature's way of cleaning up the "mistake." The activity and noisy squeaking of healthy babies trigger the "maternal instincts."
Only rarely does a mother rabbit truly abandon or ignore her babies. This may occur when a very Immature rabbit gives birth, In which case, she usually does not build a nest or make any preparations. Her milk production Is also delayed. Sometimes the babies can be hand fed for short time until the mother rabbit can take over the job. Again, their daily weight gain is the test of adequate nourishment. (If you must hand feed, refer to page 81 of the House Rabbit Handbook
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Generally a male rabbit is tolerant of young rabbits and, if neutered, can remain with his new family. The father will begin to nip and play roughly with the sons as they begin to reach puberty and start acting feisty. Then It's time for separation. A male rabbit must be neutered before being put back with the mother because she can conceive again immediately after giving birth. They should be kept separate for a minimum of two weeks after neutering.
2007-03-21 01:48:39 · answer #2 · answered by Stephanie 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
10 days after birth
2007-03-21 03:12:51 · answer #3 · answered by BB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They open 10 to 14 days.
Congratulations with the babies!!
2007-03-21 06:16:20 · answer #4 · answered by dew_angel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure of the question, but congratulations!
2007-03-21 01:47:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Should be any time now.
2007-03-21 01:48:49 · answer #6 · answered by rustybones 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋