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About Lia Harvey
Expertise
I can help answer your questions whether you have just one house rabbit or hundreds of rabbits in your rabbitry. I know all about rabbitry management and record keeping. I can answer anything about breeding or showing rabbits. Breeding questions may include: gestation, palpation, nest boxes, line-breeding/out-crossing, prenatal/postnatal care for does, breeding problems (canabolism, scattered kits, stuck kits, etc..), orphaned kits, sexing, breeding methods, and many more. Showing questions can include, but are not limited to: tattooing, conditioning, culling, lingo, pedigrees, registering your rabbit, etiquette, traveling to shows, what you should bring to a show, and what to expect at your first show. I can also help you decide what type of disease your rabbit might have. (Note: I am not a veterinarian.) I am familiar with the following diseases/disorders: Coccidiosis, Fur Mites, Pasteurellosis/Bordetellosis (snuffles), Vent Disease, Hutch Burn, GI Stasis, Malocclusion, diarrhea, Mastitis, Sore Hocks, Fly Strike, worms, Red Urine, and Wry Neck. I also know basic rabbit knowledge, such as: housing, feeding, and grooming. I have a lot of helpful tips such as: keeping rabbits cool in the summer/warm in the winter, force feeding, giving vaccinations, bonding with your rabbit, and so many more. Most of all, I can answer nearly any questions that have to do specifically with Netherland Dwarfs, but I am familiar with all breeds. I can not answer questions about color genetics, cancer, butchering, weaving angora wool, spaying/neutering, and litter box training.

Experience
Over 8 years ago, I brought home my first rabbit. Like many first time rabbit owners, I did not know much about my new fluffy bundle of joy. I bought a few books and looked over several Web sites in search of new information. Over the years I grew a great interest for rabbits as I began to learn more and more. I decided to take my love for rabbits a step further and I began my own Netherland Dwarf rabbitry. I have been breeding an exhibiting Netherland Dwarfs for nearly 3 years now. I've spent countless amounts of time researching, learning, and talking about rabbits. Although I have read many, many books on rabbits, personal experience has taught me the most. I have been through so much with my rabbits, but I do not regret a second of it. I could not go a whole day without discussing and learning more about rabbits. There's nothing I love more than sharing my thoughts and ideas about them with others.

Organizations
American Rabbit Breeders Association-(ARBA)
American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club-(ANDRC)
Illinois Netherland Dwarf Specialty Club-(INDSC)
Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association-(IRBA)

Education/Credentials
I am currently a high school senior with the hopes to go on to become a veterinarian. I want to specialize in rabbits because I do not think there are enough vets who will examine and treat rabbits.

Awards and Honors
I have won several legs (awards) with my Netherland Dwarf rabbits in ARBA shows. Many of which are for BIS (Best In Show) and BOB (Best Of Breed).

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Rabbits > Momma not caring 4 babies

Rabbits - Momma not caring 4 babies

Expert: Lia Harvey - 11/8/2009

Question
My rabbit let her babies die. She had babies before and took really good care of the last ones. She's three years old.Do you know why she could do this?

Answer
Amy,

Possibly there was a disturbance like a predator or a rodent nearby that she wasn't comfortable with. Maybe she was stressed because she was moved or handled too much during pregnancy. It is also possible that if there was a long period of time in between litters that she isn't in "mothering mode" any longer. Three isn't too old to have kits, but it is if she isn't kept working.
It can be hard to determine what caused her to not want to care for her babies without a lot more info. Something in her mind clicked and decided that she had to take care of number one. Her babies then ended up on the back burner and weren't fed.

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