Our Mini Rex had 4 kits 3 weeks ago. Two died day 2 because they were peanuts. The surviving 2 continued to mature. A week ago, I noticed that one of the kits was about half the size of the other kit (they were equal size before). Both seemed very healthy and energetic though. Yesterday afternoon the smaller kit was very lethargic and died shortly after we noticed its lethargy. Why did it die? No other rabbit is sick and this one seemed healthy until just shortly before its death. Any input would be appreciated.
For one reason or another, this kit was not taking in any nourishment. The reasons are numerous, ranging from a congenital defect that took a while to manifest, an injury that wasn\'t apparent during brief routine litter checks, to the milk supply of the doe (though with only 2 kits that seems unlikely).
Kits grow so rapidly at this age that a few missed meals will be apparent due to the stunted growth of the affected kit.
This sort of thing does happen, but it\'s a shame when it does.
Charlcie Gill
Zodiac Rabbitry
Astoria, OR
http://www.zodiacsatins.com
Ahhhhhhh sorry to hear this.
Thanks for the input. That\'s the first time that we lost one that was over 3 weeks of age. I guess then that it\'s nothing contagious. That was my main concern.