This isn’t as complicated as you might think as long as certain events line up for success. Rex rabbits in particular are known for having great maternal instincts and are known for taking on struggling babies that aren’t theirs.
Breed Does In Pairs: Ideally, you breed at least 2 of your does at the same time so that they kindle back-to-back. This way, if one of them has too large of a litter or something else happens, you have a backup doe that may be able to help take on any struggling kits.
Timing: Once kits open their eyes at about 9-10 days, they begin to explore and start nibbling on mom’s food. I’ve found that once they’ve reached that point, they are generally in the clear by day 12-ish. With large litters I generally need to step in by day 5-7 with any that are struggling. This is the best time to move them because they haven’t opened their eyes yet and have not seen who mom is yet. This makes it ideal for baby and adoptive mom to bond.
The Move: If you need to move multiple babies from a large litter, I would say it’s best to do it one baby per day. This allows you to see whether or not the doe will adopt the baby and allows her body to adjust her milk supply. When moving babies over, I try to rub the adoptive mom’s fur that she pulled in the nest on the new baby to help mask the new odor. You can also get a mixture of half vinegar (I’d use ACV) and half water and gently wipe it on the baby with a damp (not soaked) cloth. Honestly, these may not even be necessary, but I’ve always done it as a precaution. It depends on the doe, but mine have been very willing to accept babies from other litters.
Where It Could Get Complicated: If litters are too far spaced in age, this could pose a problem. If you have a doe that is already in the process of weaning her kits, then she may not allow a new younger baby to suckle.
What About A Doe That Doesn’t Have A Litter?: That’s a good question and it will really depend on the doe. Different animals have been known to come into milk for a baby critter(s) in need.
Ultimately, it comes down to introducing the baby, preferably with a neutral scent, to the momma doe. She’ll either accept it or reject it. If she rejects it then the job will fall on you to tend to the little baby(ies) needs. Luckily baby rabbit aren’t too complicated to care for. They just need a heat source, and then a feeding in the AM and PM.
Recommended Products (clickable)
