Dead litter from Domestic Dutch Rabbits

[DDWBeagles]

I have two dwarf domestic dutch rabbits. Since my trapping skills really suck, I bought these (months ago). Anyway, the female was pregnant and built a fine looking nest. Tonight when I came home, I went out to check and see if she had the litter yet. Yep, she did, but all were dead. By the looks of it, I believe she sat on all of them. What did I do wrong.?

The male was removed two weeks ago. I place a thick plastic sheet over her hutch to reduce stress and keep the wind from blowing her hair out. Now I've got to come up with a pretty creative story for my kids, they were very interested in seeing some bunnnies. Any advice for a possible future attempt? Thanks

[Suzay]

Usually if it's a 1st breeding, kinda sometimes what you hear with some female beagles also...anyways if it's a 1st breeding, some don't fair too well.

I would breed her again and see if she does well. You were right about the "stress", keeping her stress free helps.

I've raised San Juans for 6 years...usually when I breed a doe and she doesn't do well the 1st time I breed her again and if she does the same. She's done...

Also dwarf rabbits, tend to have little litters.. But then again you may not want a lot of rabbits. I had about 150 at one time, and I've been out of it for 2 years. May start getting back into it again...I usually ended up always giving them away..

[James Carman]

You might have better luck if you keep the two adult rabbits in different hutches and just put the doe in the buck pen to breed. Remove her from the pen as soon as the breeding occurs. ( usually just seconds after the female is introduced) This would keep the scent of the buck out of the does nest. First breedings indeed are often unsuccessful.

[Mike Thoms]

DDW,
I used to raise dutch rabbits. It sounds to me like there was some kind of predator around after she gave birth. I don't know if they're outside or in a barn, but a rat, possum, coon or dog or cat will cause this. The doe will jump into the nest box and drum to scare off the predator and kill every kit. I've had this happen myself in the past. MIKE