Anyone have New Zealand the go over 31 day gestation? I have 3 does that hit 21 days yesterday. They were caring around hay and putting in the nest boxes but still nothing. None were pulling fur. Havent mastered palpating yet.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), January 21, 2002

Answers

Wll the one doe is pulling fur so maybe. Either that or a fals pregnancy. I will give them to day 35 and then breed back. Thanks for the tips on palpating.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), January 21, 2002.

Good news, My doe has 6 healthy kits in her box. Plenty of fur and seem to be nice and round so I assume she is feeding them. Hopefully more on the way. I am thrilled.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), January 22, 2002.

Tracy , Most does will kindle on that 31st day but will range up to 35 days. I find that the doe that kindles on day 32 always seems to go 32 days etc. Keep practicing the palpation, it works well when you learn it. I find my Californians palpate easiest at 12-16 days with 14 being the easiest for me. I also find as I get to know the different does and how they carry their litters I get better at palpating. ( some does are easier to then others) My daughter and I are now running about 90 percent on palpating for pregnant does. Denise

-- Denise K. (Rabbitmom2@webbworks.com), January 21, 2002.

Good answer, Denise! You leave me with nothing more to be said on this topic, heheheh. I appreciate the help!

Pat Lamar

-- Pat Lamar (fuzyfarm@3-cities.com), January 21, 2002.

Tracy, I have found that most times if a doe is a day or two or three late she usually doesn't have very many kits. on the other hand, I have had a doe that had hers a week early, she had 18(all dead of course). I think it has to do with some harmones as to starting labor. The more kits they have the more harmone is produced.

-- Ricky Jenkins (rjsjrj@yahoo.com), January 21, 2002.