I received some questions via email from a breeder who I believe is taking very good care of her first litter of Holland Lops I thought some of these tips would be helpful to other new rabbit rasiers as well. As this was originally an e-mail, it’s written in second person.
It's just fine to handle newborn rabbits. Photo by Grace of Happy Farm Bunnies
Will the Mom Kill Baby Holland Lops – or any breed - if you Touch Them?
It’s a myth that even some wild animals reject their young when people touch them, let alone your rabbit who is very used to human smells, and associates it with food and petting.
It IS important to touch your baby rabbits. Very important. There are several reasons. You need to make sure there are not any dead ones that can contaminate the nest. You need to see if they are being fed. You need to make sure none have gone missing. I’ve had kits crawl out of the box and out of the cage and I found them, still alive, in the drop pan beneath the cage, or somewhere else on the barn floor. Also, you need to check their bottoms. Newborns cannot go potty without help. Usually the doe licks their genitals to stimulate them, but still they can get a blockage. If caught early, you can clear it away easily. If it’s not cleared it can lead to a nasty buildup and even infection.
Also, handling your kits from the time they are very little gets them used to human interaction. This will make them more friendly as adults and better companions.
1. Marshmallow Creme. Spread on cage door to distract a chronic cage chewer. Temporary fix.
National Breed Club banquets are not usually formal, and a decent looking shirt and pants set will do. As you might imagine, the more popular breeds have bigger banquets and you’re more likely to find someone in formal dress at the Mini Rex or Holland Lop banquet than the backyard silver breeders’ meet-up.
