A New Generation

The average litter of Holland Lop is 4 kids. Litter sizes range from only one kid to as many as 8! Kids are born hairless, blind, and deaf.

Kits should appear vital and have a full stomach, not a sunken stomach. If they have a full stomach, they are being properly mothered. When the kits are aobut ten days old and opening their eyes, they should be checked to make sure none of the eyes is stuck shut or infected.

Remember: The doe will need extra fresh, clean water whild she is nursing.

In breeding programs, several does are often bred at the same time. Does will accept kids from another doe.

Weaning: Kids generally begin eating solid food after their eyes are open. They will continue to nurse milk from the doe until they are four to six weeks old. At this time, the doe will slow her milk production and the kits should be fully weaned onto solid food. The kits are usually kept together for another week or two before they are moved or separated.

Futur Pregnancies: Does may be receptive to breeding just 72 hours after kindling. Breeders should wait several weeks after kindling before breeding the doe again. although more litters could be produced every year, it would take a tremendous toll on the doe and decrease her life expectancy and likely her health.

Normal Rabbit Development: Little rabbits grow very quickly and it is not long before they do not need their mother or us. Interestingly enough, contact with siblings is much more important than contact with the doe except for feeding. If newborn rabbits do not have contact with their siblings, they will gain less weight, have more trouble reproducing later on, and be less active.