Rabbit Cannibalism

A fairly common complaint is that does neglect their newly-born young or eat them. These vices may be due to severalcauses. The temperament of the doe is important, and adoe may neglect her first litter. If she destroys or neglects hersecond, she should be eliminated. It is probable that lack ofmaternal instinct has a familial tendency, and does should beselected which do not show these signs. Bad nutrition, particu-larly the lack of B group vitamins, has been shown to be a cause, and lack of water another. Undoubtedly some doeswill destroy their young if they have injured them whilstpanicking. A doe will consume the afterbirth which is attachedto the youngsters and may, inadvertently, eat part of theyoungster as well. By selection of does having a quiet tempera-ment and by supplying adequate foods and water, thesetroubles can largely be eliminated.