HELP

[kerala]

Just gone to feed our (two female) bunnies and one of them has had 6 babies. ARRRGGHGHGH

How did this happen? Reputable garden centre sold us two sisters. They went to a reputable rabbit retreat while we were on holiday (away from 14-26 August) so 30 day gestation period works out. If one could be a male should we separate them? How will we cope with 8 bunnies

bump

Sorry to hear about your instant extended family.

Get to the vets to get the bunnies checked properly. I do this anyway with a new animal as I don't trust pet shops etc to get it right. Also vet will be able to give advice about babies. Best not to stick the babies in a pet shop, so if you don't know people who want babies, then try your local rescue centre who will be able to rehome them at an appropriate age or at least help you find homes for them.

No need to separate your 2 rabbits as you should get them both neutered, then they'll be fine. Rabbits (male or female) should always be neutered for the sake of their health. Females are highly likely to develop cancer unless neutered and both can be aggressive and unfriendly.

You really need to find out if you've got a male/female pair.Probably best to take the one that isn't mum, then you'll know quickly, rather than wait for the babies to be old enough.

My first two guineas were 'female' but one turned out to be male.
We were adviced "Leave the boar with the sow, he won't harm the piglets"

True, he didn't harm the piglets.
He got the sow pregnant straight after and made another batch of piglets. They are very fertile just after birth.

So if you have boy/girl your female might be pg again.

Is the male safe to leave with the new family. ? I've heard tales of females eating their young if they are stressed.

If they are two females, then contact the retreat. But if they are well run, then your rabbits should not have come in contact with others.

But I had these bunnies checked over by a vet 6 weeks ago when they had their vaccinations, she seemed thorough and when I asked if I should get them spayed she said it wasnt necessary. Surely she would have noticed if one of them was male?!

Have contacted the retreat who assured me they didnt come into contact with any other rabbits - it did seem a scrupulously run place.

Oh dear. No advice just huge sympathy, what a difficult situation, ekk!

You should change your vet. She doesn't sound very knowledgeable in rabbits.
If they are young rabbits it can be hard to sex...hence so many mix ups like the situation you're in.
I'd move the one who isn't mum out of the cage, not to be macabre but it will be likely that you'll not have six babies by the end of the day/week so keep DC away as much as possible.

rabbitsunited is a bunny forum, they are usually very good in telling you what vets/rescues nearby are bun-friendly.

baby rabbit care for basics.

Good luck!!

If your vet is saying it's not necessary to get them neutered, then I would say she's not knowledgeable about rabbits. See a different vet. Unless you want to breed - all rabbits should be neutered for the sake of their health.

Thanks for this help. Saw a different vet yesterday she was great. One of the bunnies is definitely male so they are living separately and have been since we found the babies. Yes, one of the babies did not make it thanks for the warning on that AWomanCalledHorse as could intercept before DDs (6 and 3) saw the body. Male bunny is booked in for castration tomorrow. Garden centre we bought them from seems to have agreed to on sell the babies once they are old enough to go and then we will neuter the mum. This is all new to me I not a pet person!

Am impressed by mum though. She has built a beautiful clean nest we cant even see the babies they are so cuddled in. She is very angry with DH and wont let him near her but let me clean out her side of the hutch yesterday - one mother to another

I'm glad you've managed to get this sorted. You should be able to put them back together a few weeks after they've both been neutered and then they should live happily together.

Our previous bun was female - she hated men. Also had a female when I was a kid - she hated men as well.