27/06/2025
𝐊𝐢𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐬.(𝐑𝐚𝐛𝐛𝐢𝐭 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝟐)
Raising a litter of rabbit kits can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with its unique set of challenges. When things go wrong, it can be heartbreaking. Let's explore some common "kit care catastrophes" and what they mean for rabbit breeders.
𝐋𝐨𝐰 𝐋𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
It's a harsh reality that young kits are incredibly fragile, and high mortality rates, especially in the first few days, are not uncommon. Several factors contribute to this:
✔️Environmental Factors: Sudden temperature drops, drafts, or an overly wet nest can quickly overwhelm tiny kits.
✔️Doe's Milk Production: A doe might not produce enough milk, or her milk might not be rich enough to sustain a large litter. This often leads to kits starving.
✔️Kits' Own Vigor: Some kits are simply born weaker than others and struggle to compete for milk or withstand the rigors of early life.
𝐋𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐭
Not all does are born to be great mothers. A significant catastrophe can occur when a doe exhibits a lack of maternal instinct. This can manifest as:
✔️Neglect: The doe might not spend enough time in the nest to nurse her kits adequately.
✔️Abandonment: In some cases, a doe might completely abandon her litter, leaving the kits to fend for themselves. This is particularly devastating as hand-raising newborn kits is extremely challenging.
𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐢𝐭𝐬
A surprising and dangerous situation arises when a doe kindles (gives birth) outside the nest box. This "scattering of kits" leaves the newborns exposed and vulnerable:
✔️Environmental Exposure: Kits born outside the nest are immediately at risk from cold temperatures, rain, or wind.
✔️Predation: Without the protection of a nest box and the doe's direct care, scattered kits become easy targets for predators.