I have one senior doe who consistently has one kit the day before she has the rest. She pulls no fur and drops the first one on the wire even though there is a nest box with fresh hay available. What could be inspiring this? BTW, the first one invariably dies.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), May 02, 2002

Answers

Doreen, How many does she have in the rest of the litter? Could it be that she is carrying more kits then is physically possible for her? Just a guess, never heard of one doing that before. The longer I am doing this the more that they surprise you though.

-- tracy (murfette@stargate.net), May 03, 2002.

Usually she has 7 or 8 total. It doesn't seem like they are too much for her generally speaking. She had one this time witth the rest of the kits that looked premie. That one died too. It's really weird, huh? She is a good mother, and a gentle and good sized Californian. I believe she is now 2 1/2.

-- Doreen (animalwaitress@yahoo.com), May 03, 2002.

I've had a couple of Doe's who have done this, not everytime they kindle but enough so that now I know to take the pre kit out.My Does are also not interested in these prekits,have made no nest and do not feed them..chances are if you put them in the nest box she will crush them in her nest making enthusiasim ...so take it or them out (occasionally I have had 2 or 3 born in this way (its hot here in Barbados..perhaps heat is a factor ??) Then when the doe has had the rest of the litter but them back in and they should be ok.especially if she has the litter with in 24/36 hours after the first kit. Hope this helps !!!!

-- louise williamson (fuzzyfarm@sunbeach.net), May 18, 2002.