What do I use as a nest for newborn bunnies?

Question

What do I use as a nest for newborn bunnies?

Answer 1

You use a nesting box the nesting box you can make or buy I get myn from fleet and farm you should get the size sutible for your rabbit to deliver her rabbit in place the nesting box in the corner she has been kindling in (pulling out hair).

Answer 2

If your bunny is pregnant then you will need to provide a nesting box for her to have babies in before she gives birth. A nest box is a warm and secure place for mom to give birth and where the babies will live for the first few weeks of life. Without a nest box babies become separated, cold, and can even crawl far enough to fall out of the cage.

Nesting boxes come in all sizes and are made from many different materials. Most homemade nest boxes are constructed of wood. Some commercial rabbitries use wire or metal nest boxes with disposable liners for sanitation and reduced labor. The liners are cardboard with a waxed coating and are disposed of after use. You can make nest boxes yourself or you can buy them from one of the many rabbit equipment dealers.

Nest boxes should be sized to fit the doe. The box should be a few inches longer and wider than mom. Note: Make sure the box will fit through the hutch door:) We make one end of the box lower so the doe doesn't have to jump so high, thus reducing the chances of accidentally landing on a baby. We also cover part of the top of the box to reduce heat loss and provide mom with a resting spot where the kits can't bug her continually. Most does seem to really appreciate it!

Nest boxes should be placed in the cage on the 28th day after breeding. It should not be placed earlier as the doe will occasionally mistake the box for a toilet. Placing the box in the cage on the 28th day reduces trouble with a dirty box and decreases nest box mortality.

You will want to provide nest-building materials for your doe. Most breeders use clean hay or shavings in the bottom of the box. Does will use this material along with fur she pulls from her chest to make a warm cozy nest for her babies. We clean out the old soiled materials from the box when the kits are 10 days old, being sure to save clean hair for relining with the new clean material. We have found cleaning the nest box just before the baby's eyes open helps decrease chances of bacterial eye infections.

During winter months added protection from cold can be provided for young rabbits by using a nest box heater which can be purchase from many rabbit equipment dealers.

Remove the nest box from the cage when the young are all out of it. The nest box should be removed from the cage around 30 to 35 days after kindling in the winter and 28 to 32 days after kindling in the summer.