Rabbits newborns gutted, please help

[Twilia]

Sometimes when a kit dies, maybe wandered from the nest, exposure to cold, or etc., the mother rabbit will begin to consume their tiny bodies (survival technique) to deter predators detecting the dead. Maybe your rabbit began this process, hence the "gutted look"?

I love your set-up! I have a rabbit rescue for the plethora of abandoned/unwanted pet-breed rabbits; Sometimes folks will create more "pet" type rabbits, when there are alot already.

The fact that you care for them like this is heartwarming, I appreciate homes like yours.

 

[Lolame777]

It is my guess that the other rabbits are killing them. It happens.

Thank you for your response. Yes true, it could be the case although none of my other buns are more dominant than the one that had the babies...I'll probably have to shuffle around my buns and perhaps put some in the other large run away from the breeding bunnies, do you think that may help? I don't even put pressure on the girls because I don't breed them monthly...it's really up to them so I don't have the male in there all that much until I see my females seeming ready and the weather is the right time too....not sure...I'm still new to bunnies, only had them for just under a year now so still am trying to work out their nature and what's best for them

 

[Lolame777]

Sometimes when a kit dies, maybe wandered from the nest, exposure to cold, or etc., the mother rabbit will begin to consume their tiny bodies (survival technique) to deter predators detecting the dead. Maybe your rabbit began this process, hence the "gutted look"?

I love your set-up! I have a rabbit rescue for the plethora of abandoned/unwanted pet-breed rabbits; Sometimes folks will create more "pet" type rabbits, when there are alot already.

The fact that you care for them like this is heartwarming, I appreciate homes like yours.

Thank you, I just can't help myself but do what's best for our furry friends, I treat them like they are my own children. They're no different to people...not sure if others agree to this but I believe any animal should be treated the same way and live the same lifestyle like humans.

 

[FunClucks]

So, I don't breed rabbits. I have chickens. Everything wants to eat my chickens. Chicken wire is not good for keeping any type of predators out, only for keeping chickens in. Pretty much any type of predator can get through chicken wire. I suspect your dogs are why you haven't seen more trouble with predators while using chicken wire, but eventually you may get unlucky. I'd suggest changing the chicken wire over to 1/2" hardware cloth - just add it on top of the chicken wire if removal is too difficult.

Secure with 1" radial washers and screws, or make a picture frame out of wood, where the wire is the "picture", and it's sandwiched between two pieces of wood. Raccoons will pull out staples. 1/2" hardware cloth is commonly used in meat bunny cages, so I know it's good for bunny use. Few predators can get through 1/2" hardware cloth, like maybe a bear or bobcat, or a really determined dog with a strong bite if the hardware cloth is droopy and they can get ahold of it to pull.

That is a wonderful bunny setup. They are lucky to have you!

 

[Lolame777]

So, I don't breed rabbits. I have chickens. Everything wants to eat my chickens. Chicken wire is not good for keeping any type of predators out, only for keeping chickens in. Pretty much any type of predator can get through chicken wire. I suspect your dogs are why you haven't seen more trouble with predators while using chicken wire, but eventually you may get unlucky. I'd suggest changing the chicken wire over to 1/2" hardware cloth - just add it on top of the chicken wire if removal is too difficult.

Secure with 1" radial washers and screws, or make a picture frame out of wood, where the wire is the "picture", and it's sandwiched between two pieces of wood. Raccoons will pull out staples. 1/2" hardware cloth is commonly used in meat bunny cages, so I know it's good for bunny use. Few predators can get through 1/2" hardware cloth, like maybe a bear or bobcat, or a really determined dog with a strong bite if the hardware cloth is droopy and they can get ahold of it to pull.

That is a wonderful bunny setup. They are lucky to have you!

Thank you for all the info, yes that's a good idea although the fencing is very secure, I've got at least 3 layers of fencing down the bottom so they don't dig. Eventually if the wire is to rust I'll put another thicker one. Lucky here in Australia the worse thing that can come and try get through is a fox and that won't happen as long as I've got the dogs because they don't even let an eagle hover past without barking and chasing after it let alone a curious fox