The two bunny cages are the 30" x 30" self contained units (with a pan under them, non-stacked) that I got from Bass. They're sitting on the workbench in my garage with a small heater sitting betweeen them. Genevieve has a heated water bottle, hence the cord.
I put boards around three sides after the first one got out and was rescued, but I wasn't sure how to secure the front edge because it juts out from the workbench ledge about 3 -4 inches. After yesterday's small tragedy, I put cardboard all around the front and tied it on with twist ties. Last night I bought some hardware cloth and metal shears, as Lisa suggested, but I don't have time today to put that up.
I just went out to take these pictures and ANOTHER ONE was on the wire. He was okay, not too cold, and I popped him back into the nest. I really can't be checking on these guys every ten minutes though ...
I got the nestbox from Bass, too. It's the second to largest size and the lower edge is 4 1/2 " high. The nest itself goes all the way down to the bottom board, otherwise I would think there was too much hay and fur in there and that they're sitting up too high on it. Maybe there are just too many babies and they're climbing on each other and falling out.
If I was sure Genevieve would nurse them if I took them out to her twice a day, I would bring the nestbox in and put it into a deep cardboard box. That way, if one of them decided to take a hike it would at least be in warm air, not frigid garage air. Also, I would probably notice the problem sooner.
Thanks for taking a look and being willing to help analyze this problem. Maybe the babies are hyperactive! So far, they're seven days old and three have fallen out of the nestbox.
Penny
2 comments:
I use wooden nestboxes that are deeper. I've never been fond of the metal ones, since they are shallow.
ON a wooden box if the kits are coming out too early, I've nailed a 2 inch board across the front opening so it slants back into the nestbox - sort the idea of a prison fence? Not sure how you'd do that with a metal box, but I bet you could brainstorm something.
They may be too warm, and are crawling around, attempting to spread out and dissipate heat. I can't imagine they need a heater.
There are a lot of rabbit people who take the nestbox away routinely with no problems whatsoever. That seems like the simplest answer to your problem. Naturally, you'll want to put the nest in something that will contain the babies when they crawl out, or you'll start finding them all over the house! :^) And keep them away from dogs and cats.
What Lisa said...LOL
I also use a wooden nest box as she described with a high front at all times.
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