Rabbits have had Babies

[mountainboo]

I was just wondering how soon after a rabbit has babies that she feeds them? We had a bit of a drama shortly after they were born as about 5 of them fell through a gap onto the hutch below, most of them were fine, one had wriggled into an area without fur or hay so was almost dead from the cold. We speedily scooped them up in some fur and hay and placed them back in the hutch above (trying not to touch them) and they all seem to be fine now. We think they were born in the early hours but the mother doesn't venture inside to see how they're doing, or indeed to feed them. Is that normal? Would our interferance have been detrimental to the bond? TIA

[Mosaic]

They don't seem to nestle their babies - sort of just hover over them to give them a feed. It might be that she can sense human smell on them - just leave it be and give her time. Some of the litter often die quite quickly after birth, not a lot to be done - either they wander out of the nest or she chucks them out - it's a rabbit thing.

[mountainboo]

Ok, thanks Mosaic.

[dotty.]

don't touch them too much or she will eat them

[wildwood]

Rabbits seem to be funny animals regarding their babies. Yes, they seem to leave them a lot, maybe it has something to do with not attracting attention to the litter.

for next time, is it possible to place 1/2" wire netting over the grating so the next time the babies can get through.