Sad day

[Lorelai]

Last week Thursday night or Friday morning, our Californian doe delivered 8 fat, purebred kits. Everything was going fine; yesterday, everything seemed normal. The kits were wriggling around as usual, and the nest hadn't been disturbed. I went out to feed and water the rabbits this morning, and found all eight of her kits cold in their box.

It was very upsetting. Tears were shed. But I dealt with it, and now I'm left wondering why? Our doe has delivered a few litters before this one, all of them resounding sucesses. We haven't changed our feed or anything like that; her nutrition is good, and she'd had a nice break before this litter, so she was in good condition. She's not a flighty doe either. It's like she fed them for the first five days, and then decided to stop for whatever reason. *sigh*

Well, better luck next time, right? Luckily we had a litter born a few weeks ago, and another due in a few weeks, but we were trying to make up for the September and October, when for whatever reason, we had no litters. I don't buy meat from the store, so this is a big deal. Anyway, I'm hoping you all are having better luck than me right now.

 

[daisychick]

Sorry, I am sure losing a whole litter is tough. I have no idea why she decided to just quit on the babies.

 

[jmsim93]

 

[oneacrefarm]

Last week Thursday night or Friday morning, our Californian doe delivered 8 fat, purebred kits. Everything was going fine; yesterday, everything seemed normal. The kits were wriggling around as usual, and the nest hadn't been disturbed. I went out to feed and water the rabbits this morning, and found all eight of her kits cold in their box.

It was very upsetting. Tears were shed. But I dealt with it, and now I'm left wondering why? Our doe has delivered a few litters before this one, all of them resounding sucesses. We haven't changed our feed or anything like that; her nutrition is good, and she'd had a nice break before this litter, so she was in good condition. She's not a flighty doe either. It's like she fed them for the first five days, and then decided to stop for whatever reason. *sigh*

Well, better luck next time, right? Luckily we had a litter born a few weeks ago, and another due in a few weeks, but we were trying to make up for the September and October, when for whatever reason, we had no litters. I don't buy meat from the store, so this is a big deal. Anyway, I'm hoping you all are having better luck than me right now.

So sorry!

We have yet to get another litter...our last was in July
We are now on our third round of rebreeding....

 

[Lorelai]

Thanks for your support... rabbits can sometimes be damaging to morale, can't they? I still can't figure out what went wrong...

 

[Citylife]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I bought two new replacement does 10 days ago. One was due today. She pulled fur yesterday..... had an incredable next built (not her first time) This morning early, she was quite protective of a fury nestbox. Went out 2 hours later to see if she was finished having babies and she has 5 fat gorgous kits. All cold and dead. Very disappointing day here in MO also. It didnt even get to freezing here... did not expect that to happen. Bad days like these I understand.
Sorry you had to deal with dead kits to.

 

[Ms. Research]

It is a Sad Day when losing any animal. But when it doesn't make sense, makes it worse.

Truly sorry for your loss. Actually everyone who is having problems with their breeders.

Some time life throws you curve balls and these curve balls really hurt your heart and your morale. Leaving you wondering what you did when you really didn't do anything wrong.

 

[elevan]

 

[oneacrefarm]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I bought two new replacement does 10 days ago. One was due today. She pulled fur yesterday..... had an incredable next built (not her first time) This morning early, she was quite protective of a fury nestbox. Went out 2 hours later to see if she was finished having babies and she has 5 fat gorgous kits. All cold and dead. Very disappointing day here in MO also. It didnt even get to freezing here... did not expect that to happen. Bad days like these I understand.
Sorry you had to deal with dead kits to.

So sorry, CityLife.... {{{hugs}}}

 

[Citylife]

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I bought two new replacement does 10 days ago. One was due today. She pulled fur yesterday..... had an incredable next built (not her first time) This morning early, she was quite protective of a fury nestbox. Went out 2 hours later to see if she was finished having babies and she has 5 fat gorgous kits. All cold and dead. Very disappointing day here in MO also. It didnt even get to freezing here... did not expect that to happen. Bad days like these I understand.
Sorry you had to deal with dead kits to.

So sorry, CityLife.... {{{hugs}}}

Lorelai and I have not had good luck the last few days. They were big and healthy looking. It was very disappointing.
My nest boxes are about 8" deep. Do you all think that is ok? Or should I get deeper ones for these next 3 does? Any suggestions appreciated.

Oneacre, and here you and I were going to be kit moms at the same time.
Have you had your litter yet? Look forward hearing about the new kits.