High Mortality Rate of Young Rabbits in Winter: Reasons

I. Common Causes of Winter Litter Rabbit Mortality

1. Inadequate Milk Intake by Kits: Some firsttime mother rabbits may produce insufficient milk or none at all, leading to kits dying due to lack of access to colostrum within the first 2 to 3 days. Ensuring that kits receive ample colostrum is crucial for their disease resistance and survival rates. Colostrum is rich in nutrients and antibodies, particularly high in protein, which is fundamental to the kits' survival. Therefore, kits must consume enough colostrum within the first 6 hours after birth to avoid a high risk of death.

2. Large Litter Size with Significant Variations: If rabbits are not bred using the continuous breeding method for the mother, she may give birth to an excessively large litter. During winter, when green feed is scarce, this can lead to insufficient milk due to the mother's lack of nutrition. If weak kits are not promptly fostered, they may suffer from malnutrition, weak resistance to diseases and cold, and ultimately die.

3. Underdeveloped Kits at Birth: Inadequate or improper feeding during pregnancy, or consumption of moldy or spoiled feed, can result in underdeveloped fetuses and weak kits, significantly reducing their survival rates upon birth. Additionally, if the mother rabbit contracts certain diseases during pregnancy without causing a miscarriage, the fetus may still be nutritionally deficient, leading to weak kits that die upon birth.

4. Lack of Nesting Material and Failure to Remove Fur: In winter, when temperatures are low, newborn kits are vulnerable to frostbite. Firsttime mother rabbits often do not remove enough fur, which can be particularly problematic. This issue is more common in firsttime mothers.

II. How to Reduce Winter Litter Rabbit Mortality

1. Ensure Kits Receive Enough Colostrum: Kits should be observed to be sleeping peacefully, with round bellies, rosy cheeks, and glossy fur, indicating adequate colostrum intake. If kits are restless or vocalizing, it suggests insufficient colostrum consumption. Prompt intervention is necessary, checking for insufficient milk production by the mother and fostering kits to other lactating does.

2. Improve Gestation Management: Prevent the birth of underdeveloped or weak kits by feeding the mother rabbits a balanced diet, including fresh green feed, and avoiding moldy or spoiled food. Avoid startling the pregnant rabbits.

3. Prepare the Litter Box: Prepare the nesting box 4 to 5 days before the expected birth date, ensuring it is disinfected and lined with clean bedding. Arrange the box according to the climate conditions. If the mother rabbit does not remove fur, the owner should manually remove some fur from her abdomen, particularly around the nipples, to expose them. After the kits are born, cover them with the fur to keep them warm.

4. Increase Milk Production: If the mother rabbit's milk supply is low, feed her green, juicy foods like carrots and broccoli leaves, and add a bit of sugar to her water or give her soy milk. Maintain a quiet nest environment for the first month after the kits are born.

In conclusion, Dr. Oxygen Pet has analyzed the reasons for high winter mortality rates in litter rabbits and provided examples of preventive measures. We hope these insights will help reduce the mortality rates of young rabbits during the winter season.