We are happy to report that the very first baby bunnies have been born on Cedar Cove Farm! We are very excited (especially the girls) because we had a bit of trouble getting them bred in the first place. We finally decided the does weren't spending enough time in with the buck and left them for several hours, checking on them frequently to avoid nasty fights. We tried to breed two of our three does. When it came time to put the nest boxes in, we didn't think they got bred, once again, because they shoued no interest in the boxes. We left them in expecting only to remove them when the typical 34 day period expired. To our surprise the first doe had her kits, five in all, but she didn't use the box and kindled them all in the cage. Consequently they all froze. That was a lesson learned. We will need to be more watchful with her. Then the other doe suddenly started pulling hair to line her nest yesterday afternoon. The problem was that she was building her nest outside the box! AAARGH! My wife called me at work and I suggested that she put the stuff in the box and maybe the doe will get the hint. My wife went ahead and put another nest box in next to the first, leaving nowhere else to build her nest except in the box. (Good thinking.) Finally last night she kindled. This is exciting because, like I said, we had so much trouble. I can't wait to try some rabbit recipies! (In about 8 weeks, anyway.) Now to get the other two going!
When the kits come out of the box in a few weeks, I'll post some pictures. Right now they're bald, blind and not very attractive.
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One thing to note on baby bunnies; they are incredibly TOUGH!! We have saved dozens of litters to maiden does that kindled out of their boxes in extremely cold weather. Even when they feel stiff and icy cold to the touch, try warming them up for a few minutes by holding them up in a cup of lukewarm to warm water. Keep their heads out of the water. More times than not they will start to move and wiggle and you'll save them.
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