Meat Rabbit Mother/Dam Biting

I am new to the tree (rabbits and meat raising) and have a question about a new meat rabbit mother. She gave birth 2 weeks ago (her first and my first) and after I have peaked at the kits to count the number and see if any are dead, she now bites me while I am putting food and water in her cage. She lunges at me, makes a grunting sound and has bitten me twice. I understand she feels threatened in some way, but I read somewhere that you shouldn't keep a doe that is mean. I have had her 4 months and she has always been a bit skittish, not as friendly as my other two. I have not handled the kits and am not sure how I can check and weigh them (if that's even necessary at this age) without losing all my fingers! HELP!

 

She's just defending her young. Remember that she and the kits are livestock not pets, so don't go naming them, also wear gloves.

 

First-time does can be like that...especially if they're skittish.

Otherwise, is she a good mom? If so, you might wait until her next litter before culling her...they can change.

BTW, welcome to the monkey tree!

 

Thank you, Wildbilly and techsar, for your answers. I can breathe a bit easier now and thanks for the welcome.

 

Hi White Dove! I hope you post about your learning curve, trials and tribulations, raising these rabbits as it's a topic that doesn't get much attention on the Monkey. The sharing of your path of experience would benefit all of us for who knows...we all might need it someday - so - I hope you will keep posting your thoughts, your newly learned tidbits of knowledge, your observations and questions. We're in North Idaho...

 

Thanks, Bandit99. I will keep your suggestion in mind. Keep warm and dry today!

 

agreed this topic deserves some monkey love. no, not like that, damn monkeys.

 

If she kills all the kits, that's when she may have to become dinner. Bunnies are cute,nice to pet.After that, rabbits are somewhat mean unless they were handled frequently during their growth. Wear an old jacket else your arms will pay the price with serious scratching.

 

Thanks, kissmybrass and Big Ron! Yes, the scratching--you think I would have learned by now to wear a jacket or long sleeves (but it's just so hot here!) because I've already received many scratches on my arms, neck and chest. I do plan to wear long sleeves in the future.