Newborn rabbit kits?

Question

My rabbits have had litters before, but the last one was one or two years ago. So me being the over protective bunny owner I am, wanted to brush up on my knowledge of rabbit kits. I've read a lot of sites and books already, but couldnt find a exact answer to when I can start handling them. I know if the mother approves and doesnt seem bothered or distressed by your presance, then you can hold them but for breif periods of time. But I didnt know when exactly to try and see if she'll let me hold them. I think it was the 3rd or 4th day that I ended up taking a look at them last time my bunny had kits. But I'm not sure. I just wanna make sure no kits are dead and that they are being fed. They were born Augest 5th around 7:45 pm. Which would make them a day old. When I looked into the cage from a distance earlier, I saw at least 3 in the nest. But then the mother jumped in. But any quick info on this would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Please have your rabbits spayed/neutered already.

http://www.rabbit.org/

Answer 2

I would start handling in 4 days or so, I would let the mom accept you first, but now, I would peek and see if any are dead, but don't touch just yet.

Like I said, I would give 4 more days until you touch and hold them, but I would check on them at least once a day.

Answer 3

I handle the kits from the day they are born. It is important to check the nestbox and remove any dead or deformed kits immediately.

These can cause the healthy kits to become sick or even die.

Give the doe a little tret while you remove the box and do a head count and check the kits over completely.

You should check them everyday, approximately at the same time each day, to make sure the doe is feeding them and cleaning them.

Kits that are handled from the first day are much more likely to accept human companionship than ones that are not handled. they just make better pets.