The 1st 72 Hours...

 

The First 72 Hours: A Checklist for a Thriving Litter and a Healthy Doe

The morning of May 12, 2026, brought a wave of excitement to our rabbitry. Our oldest, most experienced doe delivered a healthy litter of five kits. As of today, they are "fit as a fiddle," but that success isn't just luck—it’s the result of a critical 72-hour management routine.

When a litter arrives, the clock starts. Here is the Good-Deal Resources checklist to ensure your doe recovers and your kits thrive during those first three days.

1. The "Nest Check" (Hour 0–12)

As soon as the doe is calm, you must inspect the nest.

The Dead Check: Gently remove any kits that didn't survive the birth. If left in the nest, they can chill the healthy kits or attract pests.

Count and Cover: Count your kits and ensure they are tucked deeply into the fur and bedding.

The "Old Doe" Advantage: Experienced mothers, like our matriarch, usually pull plenty of fur, but if yours hasn't, you may need to supplement with cotton wool or fur from another nest.

2. Doe Nutrition: Fueling the Milk Factory

Kindling is physically exhausting. To keep her from "crashing" and to ensure she produces enough milk for five hungry kits, focus on:

Hydration: A nursing doe needs 3x more water than usual. Ensure her bottle or bowl is never empty.

Caloric Boost: We provide extra high-quality pellets and a small handful of fresh greens (like dandelion or kale) to stimulate appetite.

Calcium: Some farmers offer a small piece of calcium-rich food to help prevent milk fever.

3. Monitoring Kit Health: The "Fat Belly" Test

By Day 2 and 3, you should be able to tell if the kits are eating.

Look for: Round, plump, "tight" bellies and sleepy behavior.

Warning Signs: Wrinkled skin, excessive crawling, or constant crying. This usually means they aren't getting enough milk.

4. Security & Pest Control

This is where many farmers fail. A nursing doe is easily stressed.

Quiet Zone: Keep noise and foot traffic to a minimum.

The Rat Factor: As we’ve discussed recently, predators like rats are attracted to the scent of a new litter. Ensure your hutch is 100% rodent-proof. A single rat can destroy a litter of five in minutes.

The Good-Deal Insight:

Success in rabbitry isn't just about the birth; it’s about the follow-through. Our May 12th litter is thriving because we prioritized the doe's comfort and the kits' security from the very first minute.