The mamma rabbit ever only has three babies. Something internally must be wrong because she should have 8-12. She is a good mom, but heeping her as a breeding doe when she only has three bunnies is not feasible when other does will have more than twice as many. Unfortunately for her, her fate is a meat rabbit.
But this is her second litter of babies only and possibly she deserves one more chance. She is protective of the little ones and their nest and she does all the right things. Maybe.
I can pick up the babies now, but they scream for a few seconds. Then they settle down, realizing I am not going to hurt them. The only time rabbits are picked up in nature is when a predator intends to eat them, so being lifted is very uncomfortable for them and they will try to avoid it at all costs. They are small still so now is the time to handle them and help them feel comfortable or they will bite and scratch possibly when they are adults. I don't have any biting rabbits, though a rabbit has very sharp claws and knows how to use them. Again, the only time they are handled is when they are prey and there is a predator after them. It is instinct not to want to be touched.
The little ones are adorable. They have fat round little bodies and short ears and hip hop funny, still getting their legs to do what their minds want to. Their movements are a little uncoodinated and jerky, and they are adorable to watch. Everyday, at leeast once, but more if I can, I pick them up and handle them. They still scream, but the time before they settle comfortably is becoming less long. Oh, darn, it is hard to think of them raosted at this stage.
But this is her second litter of babies only and possibly she deserves one more chance. She is protective of the little ones and their nest and she does all the right things. Maybe.
I can pick up the babies now, but they scream for a few seconds. Then they settle down, realizing I am not going to hurt them. The only time rabbits are picked up in nature is when a predator intends to eat them, so being lifted is very uncomfortable for them and they will try to avoid it at all costs. They are small still so now is the time to handle them and help them feel comfortable or they will bite and scratch possibly when they are adults. I don't have any biting rabbits, though a rabbit has very sharp claws and knows how to use them. Again, the only time they are handled is when they are prey and there is a predator after them. It is instinct not to want to be touched.
The little ones are adorable. They have fat round little bodies and short ears and hip hop funny, still getting their legs to do what their minds want to. Their movements are a little uncoodinated and jerky, and they are adorable to watch. Everyday, at leeast once, but more if I can, I pick them up and handle them. They still scream, but the time before they settle comfortably is becoming less long. Oh, darn, it is hard to think of them raosted at this stage.
They have big fuzzy feet and tiny ears. Sooooo adorable.
This one screamed but settled quickly.
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