A lot of mothers may wonder when a rabbit has given birth to her kits, and whether or not she can move them from the nest box. Veterinarians say that the placenta is usually passed within 12 hours after birth. A doe with retained placentas is often restless and repeatedly gets up and lies down in her nestbox.
In almost all cases, you should leave new mama alone for 24 hours before checking on them just to be sure that everything is okay. By then, she’ll have had a chance to clean and bond with her kits. If you must disturb her during this time, try to do so as quietly as possible!
FAQS
Q: Will the mother take care of her young?
A: Most likely. A rabbit’s maternal instinct is strong, and she will care for her young until they are ready to leave the nest. However, there are a few things you can do to help her out, like providing plenty of food and water and making sure the nest box is safe and comfortable.
Q: What should I do if I think one of the babies is sick or injured?
A: If you think a baby rabbit is sick or injured, it’s important to get help from a veterinarian right away. Many illnesses and injuries can be treated, but they must be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Don’t try to treat the kit yourself. Always err on the side of caution with rabbits, because they are delicate creatures. It is better to be safe than sorry with these pets!
Q: What should I do if the mother rejects her young?
A: If the mother rabbit rejects her young, it’s important to get help from a veterinarian right away. Rejection can be caused by several things, including illness or injury. There are a few things you can do to try to encourage the mother to accept her young, but in most cases, professional help is needed. Don’t try to hand-raise the kits yourself – it’s very difficult to do and can be dangerous for the rabbits.
Q: How long will the mother rabbit care for her young?
A: The mother rabbit will care for her young until they are ready to leave the nest, which typically happens around three weeks after birth.
It can take a few days before the mother rabbit is brave enough to leave her babies and eat or drink something.
During this time, it’s important to make sure she has plenty of water and food, as well as a safe and comfortable nest box.
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