Rabbit Web Discussion Board

I would like to say thank you for the feed back I have recieved. I plan on joining the breeding assiociation. After my bunnie gave birth I did alot of research on the internet to find out more. But one thing I did not find alot of information about was bunnies not feeding or moms not feeding their bunnies. I know that taking care of an new born bunnie is next to impossible. I tryed something I found about putting the mother in with the bunnies in a small pet carrier. But I found this did not work in my situation.

I\'m sad to say that two bunnies died and the other two were not looking good. I refused to give up and forced her to feed the bunnies the day the other two died. Once in the morning and once at night. I helped them do there buisness. The next day they looked nice and plump so I left them alone for her to take care of while just checking on them and now a week latter she is taking care of them and they are healthy plump bunnies.

Would holding her down to make sure they don\'t die be concidered inhumane. I know that this is not how a mother feeds her young but it saved these two. What do you think?

No, holding down the mom so the babies can feed is not inhumane. It is common practice with breeders so that the smaller babies in a litter can be sure to be fed. It also helps with moms that are having problems producing milk. The more the babies try to nurse, the more milk you can intice the breasts to produce.