Foster Kit Management
Successfully manage foster situations to save kits and balance litter sizes. BunnySync helps you track kit transfers and maintain accurate records for both biological and foster mothers.
Understanding Kit Fostering
Fostering involves transferring kits from one doe to another for care. This critical management tool helps in various situations:
Source Litter
Large litter needs help
Foster Litter
Small litter can help
When to Foster Kits
Large Litters
More than 8-10 kits (depending on breed)
- Doe can't feed all adequately
- Competition for nipples
- Smaller kits get pushed out
Doe Issues
Mother unable to care for kits
- Doe dies or becomes ill
- No milk production
- Aggressive or neglectful
Small Litters
1-3 kits struggle to stay warm
- Insufficient body heat
- Higher mortality risk
- Combine with similar age
Special Kits
High-value kits need extra care
- Valuable genetics
- Show prospects
- Weak but viable
Age Matching for Fostering
Success depends heavily on matching kit ages appropriately:
0-3 Days Apart
Excellent match
4-7 Days Apart
Good match
8-10 Days Apart
Use caution
10+ Days Apart
Not recommended
⚠️ Age Difference Risks
- Larger kits outcompete smaller ones for milk
- Different nutritional needs at different ages
- Doe may reject kits that smell/feel different
- Milk composition changes as kits age
The Fostering Process
Evaluate the Situation
Count kits, check doe's condition, identify foster candidates
Find Compatible Foster Mother
Similar kindle dates, good milk production, proven mother
Prepare Foster Kits
Rub with foster mother's fur, mix scents with existing kits
Transfer Kits
Place in nest while doe is away, mix with existing kits
Monitor Acceptance
Check after feeding, ensure all kits have full bellies
Update Records
Record transfer in BunnySync, track both litters
Recording Foster Transfers in BunnySync
Foster Kit Transfer Form
From Litter
To Litter
Tracking Fostered Kits
BunnySync maintains complete records for fostered kits:
Biological Records
- Original litter connection maintained
- True parentage for pedigrees
- Genetic lineage preserved
- Birth litter statistics
Foster Records
- Current care provider noted
- Foster mother's performance
- Growth under foster care
- Special foster notes
Fostering Best Practices
🎯 Scent Masking
Rub foster kits with doe's soiled bedding, fur from nest, or even a tiny bit of vanilla extract on all kits' heads to mask individual scents.
🎯 Timing is Key
Transfer kits when foster doe is away from nest. Place them in the middle of existing kits, not on top or edges.
🎯 Balance Litter Sizes
Aim for 6-8 kits per doe for optimal care. This ensures adequate milk for all while maintaining warmth.
🎯 Monitor Closely
Check all kits have full bellies after the first feeding. A rejected kit will have a sunken, wrinkled belly.
Foster Decision Guide
| Situation | Foster? | Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| 12+ kits, healthy doe | Yes | Foster 2-4 smallest to doe with 4-6 kits |
| Doe dies, newborn kits | Critical | Split among multiple does if needed |
| 1-2 kits only | Yes | Add to litter of 4-6 for warmth |
| 10+ day age gap | No | Hand feed or find closer match |
| No milk production | Critical | Foster all immediately |
| Aggressive doe | Maybe | Try once more, then foster if needed |
Special Fostering Situations
Cross-Fostering for Production
Some breeders systematically cross-foster to maximize production:
- Give best mothers the most kits
- Reserve poor mothers for fewer, hardier kits
- Synchronize breeding for fostering options
- Track performance by both birth and foster mother
Emergency Fostering
When no suitable foster mother is available:
- Hand feeding (formula every 12 hours)
- Split feeding (rotate between does)
- Delayed fostering (hold kits warm, try later)
- Network with other breeders
Monitoring Foster Success
Daily Foster Check
Common Fostering Issues
- Try stronger scent masking (vanilla on all kits)
- Remove doe from cage for 10-15 minutes before placing kits
- Place foster kits under biological kits
- Try a different foster mother if available
- Consider hand feeding if no other options
- Check if they're actually nursing (full bellies)
- Larger biological kits may be outcompeting them
- Consider supplemental feeding
- Move to a doe with smaller/fewer kits
- Check foster doe's milk production
- Small breeds: 4-6 kits optimal
- Medium breeds: 6-8 kits optimal
- Large breeds: 8-10 kits optimal
- Maximum: Usually 2 more than optimal
- Factors: Doe's age, milk production, season
Master Foster Management! 🏠
You now understand how to successfully manage foster kit situations. Strategic fostering can save lives and optimize your rabbitry's production.
Next, learn about tracking litter weights effectively.
Continue to Litter Weight Tracking →