But with every sad thing in a rabbitry there are things to learn. Today I thought I'd talk about some of the pros and cons of a dead litter.
Positives of a dead litter
2. Your doe is still alive. That means you can try again with a different buck!
3. It shows that your doe is not sterile. Again, means you can try again.
4. Dead kits can be turned into food as long as they haven't gone bad. Donate to a raptor rescue, sell to a reptile guy, feed them to your furry companions, or use them for compost. Don't just toss them in your garbage.
5. It's just one month down the tubes. The doe can be rebred, or sold, or culled depending on your opinion of her long-term prognosis.
6. Gives you an opportunity to examine kits closely to see if there are any genetic abnormalities.
Negatives of a dead litter
2. If your doe passed away as well, do a necropsy to see if you can figure out why. Use the knowledge you gain to improve your rabbitry.
3. No kits to enjoy and care for.
4. It is horrible to find a dead litter. Even though I know it's part of raising animals, and that sometimes youngsters don't make it, it still is horrible.