Hi Everyone,
I am new to the forum, but have had pet rabbits for over 15 years.

Last week, the local shelter called and asked my husband, Ric, and I to foster an abandoned VERY pregnant rabbit. She was found in a box by the side of the road, with a sign that said "FREE".

We were asked to foster because we have adopted rabbits from this shelter in the past, and last summer we adopted a sweet little mini-lop who turned out to be pregnant! She gave birth to four bunnies 4 days after we brought her home. The shelter let us foster the babies for about 3 months, then they were returned to the shelter and got adopted.

The rabbit is very sweet, she loves to be petted, but she is very dirty. I would love to give her a good brushing, and wash her feet, but because of her delicate condition, I haven't dared. What concerns me is that she lays down in her own urine. Her fur is mostly white, but you can see where the urine has stained it. We clean her change several times a day, but even when she is out of it, I see her do it.

is there anything I can do to train her not to do that?


Lisa

Hmm im not sure on this one, but she maybe laying down in her own urine because it makes her feel comfortable when shes pregnant because it smells like her? sorry im not much help x

__________________

Hi Lisa

what a poor girl you have there, well done for taking her in.

have you tried putting her on vet bed or towels and just hay in a litter tray, I have always found this the best thing for rabbits who lay in their own wee.

If she is an older rabbit then she might have back leg troubles, but I doubt someone would keep her that long and then stick her in a box It could also be something to do with the kits pressing on her bladder and making it harder to move around

I'm sure with a better diet she will clean up nicely, shes probably too round to get to all the places she would like to clean

good luck with her, we would love to see some pics!

__________________

just wanted to say well done to you for fostering her

Thanks so much for your replies. I am going to try the towel thing tonight.
I'll post some pics are soon as she delivers, any day now I hope!

Lisa