Why does a rabbit scatter rabbits immediately after birth: a solution to the problem

Rabbit breeding is distinguished by certain features that are recommended to be taken into account by all beginners. Particular attention should be paid to the behavior of pets and take into account the maternal instinct of rabbits after birth. Inexperienced breeders often ask the question: why exactly does a rabbit scatter rabbits immediately after birth?

Why does the rabbit throw the rabbits out of the nest

Often a situation arises when, immediately after birth, the female begins to scatter her cubs. According to experts, it will be possible to eliminate this problem only after a clear definition of provoking factors.Therefore, the breeder should analyze compliance with the rules for pet care and, if necessary, take the rabbit to the veterinarian.

Improper feeding

If the rabbit gave birth and scattered her cubs, you can suspect violations in the diet. The lack of vitamins and minerals negatively affects the behavior of the female. This is especially true a few days after giving birth. An unbalanced diet makes the rabbit too shy and excitable. In this case, she begins to equip the nest, and then ruins it. In this case, the female can throw away the rabbits.

In addition, poor feed quality has a negative impact on milk production. This provokes the rabbit's refusal to feed the cubs.

If the female is thirsty during and after birth, she may eat the young to replenish the lack of fluids.

Stress

The behavior of the female is influenced by a number of external factors. These include repair noise, dog barking, engine operation, rats entering the room. This provokes an increase in the excitability of the rabbit and can cause the cubs to scatter.

The reason that the female does not cover and throws out the rabbits may be the increased attention of the owners. If handled too often, cubs will lose their natural scent. As a result, the mother will not be able to identify them.

Sometimes a rabbit experiences stress that is not related to external factors. It may be due to congenital mental disorders. This problem cannot be fixed. Such animals are not recommended for mating.

Infections and other factors

If the female threw off the rabbits, mastitis can be suspected in her. This term is understood as an inflammatory lesion of the breast, which is accompanied by discomfort. In this case, the female may refuse to feed her cubs.

In the early stages of mastitis, affected nipples swell and turn red. They may become coarser and denser. A sick animal loses its appetite and feels intense thirst. There is also a risk of an increase in body temperature. The behavior of the rabbit also changes - she can become lethargic or, conversely, too active.

Mastitis can be caused by infection. Milk stagnation, endocrine abnormalities, and hypothermia also lead to problems.

Violations of conditions for keeping animals are also causing problems:

no front wall in the queen cell;
not enough hay to build a nest;
too low temperature;
violation of the structure of the mother liquor - through the damaged areas, feces and pollution enter it;
intense heat and stuffiness.

What should I do?

If the rabbit does not take care of her offspring, you need to take action in a timely manner. At the same time, you can try to awaken the maternal instinct in the rabbit or place the cubs with another female. There is also the option of feeding rabbits on their own.

Awaken the maternal instinct

To do this, it is recommended to do the following:

move the rabbit to another cage for a while;
collect baby rabbits using disposable gloves;
take female down;
wrap them around the rabbits - this must be done from all sides;
after half an hour, place the rabbit in the queen cell;
holding the female on her side, attach the cubs to the nipples.

After removing the female from the cage, it is necessary to carefully inspect the room for the presence of dead cubs - sometimes they remain in the hay.If the female has given birth for the first time, it may be necessary to stimulate lactation. To do this, gently massage the nipples until drops of milk appear.

Before attaching the cubs to the mother, gently massage their bellies with a damp cloth. It is recommended to do this in the direction of the excretory organs. Thanks to this, the feces will come out. You need to apply rabbits to the mother once a day. The duration of the procedure should be a quarter of an hour.

Put another rabbit

If it was not possible to awaken the instinct, young animals are recommended to be planted with another female. It is recommended to take rabbits of the same age. In order for the female to be able to accept the cubs, she should be moved to another cage for a certain time.

Rabbits should be taken with clean hands. Palms can be treated with wormwood. Then it is recommended to clean the cubs well from fluff and hay residues and put them in the nest. It is advisable to place them in the center - between native rabbits.

After 20 minutes, the female can be returned to the nest. During this period of time, alien cubs manage to acquire the desired smell. As a result, the female will not be able to distinguish them from her own rabbits.

Feeding yourself

If there is no suitable female, you can try to feed the cubs yourself. For this, it is permissible to use whole cow's milk. It can also be mixed with condensed milk. It should be done in a ratio of 3:1.

Feeding rabbits is recommended 4-6 times a day. This should be done with a pipette. After 20 days, they begin to drink from a nipple, and at 1 month - to lap from a saucer.

Scattering of pups after birth can be caused by a variety of factors. Most often, the causes of problems are inappropriate conditions of detention or various diseases. To cope with this situation, it is necessary to identify the provoking factor and take measures to eliminate it.