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What is the normal process for We have recently discovered
that a mother rabbit has dug a
hole for a nest in our flower
bed and has given borth to
baby rabbits. What is the
normal process for the newborn
rabbits now that they are born
and living in the nest? How
long will they be in the nest?
The mother comes back to the
nest each day and the baby
rabbits are getting quite big
now. We discovered the nest
about a week ago.
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http://www.luckyfootrabbitry.c om |
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Young rabbits grow extremely fast. By the end of the first week, they have their eyes open, and by the end of the second week, they are beginning to leave the nest and feed on green plants. During the nest few nights they may return to the nest to nurse, spending the day as tiny forms in the grass nearby. At this time they still weigh only about four ounces, but are well developed and able to survive on their own. And well they must, for the doe is able to mate again the same day the young are born and may be well on her way to having a second litter. Litters may range from three to nine, with four or five about average. Although capable of having six litters each summer, the usual number is three or four. By six months, the young have reached minimum adult weight and are hard to distinguish from adults. The cottontail's weight at maturity is 2 1/2 to three pounds. |
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