At what point can I check on the kits?

[fireweed farm]

I'm new to rabbits. The doe was bred 30 days ago and last night made a nice hay/fur nest. And there is definitely movement in there.
As this is her first litter, should I wait a few days before taking a look, or when is it generally safe to probe?
The doe has been jumpy.
Thanks.

[grumpy]

offer her some small treat, move the box to the front of the cage, and check the kits. you need to be sure and remove any that may be dead, asap. get a count on the kits and then place the box back into the original position.

grumpy.

[fireweed farm]

Will do, thank you.

[susieM]

Don't even peek for two weeks.

[mygoat]

Immediately check on kits and discard dirty nest material, replacing with clean. Don't throw out the fur, though - put that back on top. A good mother won't refuse her kits after handling. She may be protective, however, so distract her. Some mommas get growly and snappy after kindling. For me, this is excuseable behavior, as it shows good mothering instinct.

The cleaner the nest, the less likely you are to have issues with nestbox eye and general kit health.

[Backfourty,MI.]

I always check mine the day the doe kindle's, take out any dead one's etc. I do pet the mother first most of the time so her scent is on my hand before I touch her babies but even if I don't pet her first I've never had a mother not take care of her kits because I was in there checking them out.

Again at about 9 days you want to clean any dirty & soiled nest material out too since the kits will be opening their eyes in the next day or so after & you don't want them to get nest box eye.

[jkmlad]

I handle as soon as I know there is movement in the box, and then check and count every day thereafter. I have never coddled the mamas, and make sure that my hand has a clear path to the nest box when I place it in the cage. She only jumps in there 1 or 2 x daily, so chances are she isn't even going back in to them for hours after you check them. I can't imaging not being able to check for sick/ dying/ dead babies on a regular basis. You must be able to work in that nest box to insure the health of your litter.

[SquashNut]

Originally Posted by susieM

Don't even peek for two weeks.

this is a good way to loose whole litters. who would be able to live in a nest with your dead rotting siblings?

[fireweed farm]

I did check and there were at least 10 babies, they were quite active and difficult to count. Looked well fed. I'm imagining very good for her first litter.