Hi all, As some of you know I have started a commercial rabbit business and bought lots of rabbits. All the animals are doing great and even the does that had litters did good with the move. I also had bought a holland lop doe[figured I would play around with the market as pets] and she gave birth today. We have 6 babies. 5 are black skinned, 1 pink skinned. What would be the coloring for these? All the other rabbits are New Zealands and are white. It is very exciting. I have 2 other does that are due tommorrow and then we get into full scale next week. Starting next week, from there on I have 9 does expecting.I have been out in the barn aprox 6 hours a day and am truly loving it. What a joy it is to be doing something that is so enjoyable. I have never minded getting dirty and take pride in having a clean barn. I think my barn might be cleaner than my house[LOL], just kidding, but close.I still need to figure out how to palpate. Have tried and tried but have not been able to feel anything. Any tips on this would be great. Anyway thanks for letting me share, I have been reading all the posts and am learning.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), January 09, 2002

Answers

Tracy, I was wondering how your new business was doing. Sounds great! Isn't it nice to be able to go to a job you really LIKE! Take care and thanks for the update.

-- cowgirlone (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), January 09, 2002.

Re: palpating Make sure the doe is sitting on a table or such...do not lift her. Holdinher with one hand on the scruff of the neck, you can use your other hand and feel her belly area for "lumps", eg, babies. Start out gently, but it really does take a bit of pressure. With the palms of your hand facing the does belly, use a "come here" motion and slowly work your way up her belly.

-- Sue (sulandherb@aol.com), January 09, 2002.

Hi Tracy.

I remember your first post about the rabbit business. I am glad that you are enjoying it and hope that everything goes well for you and that you are successful! george

-- george (bngcrview@aol.com), January 09, 2002.

congratulations on the new babies! We had a litter of Angoras born Saturday night and I get excited everytime we have a new litter!

I can not palpitate so I just watch for other signs.

-- Suzy in Bama (slgt@yahoo.com), January 09, 2002.

the only way I learned to palpate was to have a local breeder show me hands on. Definatly join a local club if possible. k

-- karen (karengrandmaison@hotmail.com), January 10, 2002.

start handling your pet market bunnies right now. Pull box and remove any dead bunnies and bloody bedding. Touch those babies every day, pick them up hold them, snuggle with them. Give the Mommy a carrot or apple slice to distract her for a moment. Your babies will be so used to being held and touched that they will come up and wait to be picked up...tame bunnies sell much faster then wild ones.

-- westbrook (westbrook_farms@yahoo.com), January 10, 2002.

congratulations, my rabbits also had 6 babies 5 black 1 white.They are so cute.goodluck on yours!

-- lisa gorisek (mer8maid@yahoo.com), February 02, 2002.