Kindling

This can be an exciting time for you and a stressful time for you doe. You need to make her as comfortable as possible - especially if it's her first time kindling.

A rabbit's gestation is around 28 to 34 days - it just depends on the animal. Once you've got your doe bred, count 28 days from the date of the breeding. Find a big red marker or something and mark this date - it's important. You need to put the kindling box in on this day. If you don't have a kindling box, you've got 28 days to either build or find one.

Your box should be wide enough and high enough for you doe to get in and out of but not too big. Also, make sure it fits through your cage door. Your kindling box should look something like this:

Ok, so after all of that waiting, the 28th day rolls around. Take the box and add about an inch of shavings or a couple handfuls of straw. Try to stay away from cedar chips - they have too strong of an odor. Each animal has their own personality and will do different things, so don't get upset if she takes all of the bedding out of the box, or sits in it all day long. (just be careful that she isn't using it as a toilet).

When placing the box in the cage, make sure you look to see what corner she does her business in. Once you've found it, put the box in the opposite corner. Keep a very watchful eye on your rabbit for the next five days. If you notice her pulling hair from her body, or picking up loose pieces of straw or shavings in her cage, it's a good sign she's ready to deliver. But like I said - every animal is different. I have one doe that will build her nest the moment I put it in the cage, but will deliver three days later. Another doe of mine is just the opposite. She won't pull any hair until she's had the litter - strange isn't it? 

All right, so you've got doe bred, the box is in place, the doe has built her nest, and you think she might have had the litter - but you aren't sure. Should you go in and have a peek in the box? Most certainly! 

Some people say that you should never bother the nest because the doe will kill the litter. Sometimes this is true if the doe is nervous, but there are things you can do to help safeguard yourself. Before you start to poke around in the nest, pet your doe. Get her scent all over your hands. 

Now go ahead and look in the box. You may have to dig around in there but go ahead and pull the kits out. Yes, those bald mouse like things are the kits. They're kind of cute in an ugly way huh? Make sure there aren't any dead ones in the box, or there isn't any afterbirth lying around. (It's gross, but you have to keep the area clean.) If you do have a nervous doe, you can put a little Vicks or Vanilla on the end of her nose. This way that's all she can smell - and by the time that wears off, so has your scent.

Article written by Mindy Borer
Rabbit Registrar #RR473
www.TranquilAcresRabbitry.com