Another night passed, still five warm, squirming bodies in the morning. I'm starting to worry about them a little less. This picture shows their nicely rounded little bellies.I had a nice chat with a colleague and friend today who used to raise bunnies while he was growing up. It helps to know that we are doing a lot of things right, and that the mom obviously has a strong maternal instinct. We've followed a few more of his suggestions. It's so nice to have experienced people to rely on.
It became obvious last night that Cuddles thought she needed a different nest set up, than we originally gave her, so we have moved the kits from her litter pan (it was cleaned out and padded) to a cardboard box with a high cover. She has gone nuts trying to rip up and carry everything she can find into the cage. Newspapers we expected, but cushions, some vinyl cat tunnels she liked playing with, paper take out bags, the kid's toys, EVERYTHING.
The poor thing did not know where to go to the bathroom either, since her litter pan was occupied. To give the girl some credit, she chose her pet pillow rather than a random spot on the floor. Once we had things moved around and her litter pan was back to its original use, I dumped the pillow contents into the litter pan, so that she would know it was okay to use it again. We also showed her where her babies were. Now that she has a covered "nest" with some extra's (the paper she shredded, more of her fur we scooped up off the carpet), she has settled down and seems much more content.
I'm a bit concerned that Cuddles is not eating anywhere as much as she did before, but I imagine she is still recuperating. It has only been 48 hours. She's eating all the greens we give her, drinking water, and has eaten a bit of the oats and water mush that was recommended to us (helps her nutritionally and helps milk production), so I will try not to worry.
It is really hard not to just scoop up all the babies and carry them around with us though. They are just so cute.
They are starting to get some fur (pre-fur, I have read it is called) now, their colours are developing (looks like two light gray and three dark gray), and different body shapes and sizes are emerging.
God bless the mothers of the animal kingdom. Isn't the maternal instinct amazing?!
ReplyDeleteOn a lighter note, like your little baby bunnies, I also have a nicely rounded belly. Is that a good sign?
Dear anonymous - Absolutely. I think a lot of human parents could certainly learn a thing or two form their animal counterparts. God bless them, indeed.
ReplyDeleteLOL, Is your nicely rounded belly because you are expecting an addition of your own? If so, Congratulations and it is indeed a good sign!
If not, well, welcome to the club. I like my food too much to worry about looking like a model.