Easing and Inducing Labor
You may have heard that "Hollands are a hard breed to raise"..... it's true! Among other reasons, first-time Holland Lops moms often have complications kindling. Most does who have trouble with their first litter will do just fine with subsequent litters, although a few can continue to have complications. Other does, however, kindle and raise litters effortlessly, and are reliable moms from the start. Good mothering skills and ease of kindling are frequently genetic; other factors that can influence a birth are the doe's size, build, and health, and the kits' number and size. When I have a first-time mom expecting a litter, there are a few things that I generally do to promote a healthy birth. As I prefer to use natural methods, I often do these things for my reliable moms too!
Before the Due Date
All of our moms and babies are important to us! I do everything in my power to set my does up for healthy deliveries. Below are some of the things that I do before a doe reaches her due date.
I will sometimes decrease a doe's feed by about 10% starting 3 days before her due date. This can help minimize the risk of the kits growing too large for her to safely deliver. I don't do this with all of my does - I generally only decrease feed for those who are small in size or tend to have smaller litters.
Does loose calcium during delivery, so I like to provide them with a calcium boost. I generally supplement my does with calcium given on their due date, and occasionally the day before they are due. Studies have shown that giving calcium several days before the due date (i.e. a week before) can cause the doe’s body to store up the extra calcium, making it near impossible for her to access that calcium during delivery. Calcium given farther in advance of the due date (i.e. a couple of weeks before) or very close to the due date will be more effective. Personally, I have never given it far in advance and prefer to give it right around the due date. Many breeders choose not to give calcium unless there appear to be complications. In such cases, the doe will generally eat the calcium if she needs it. Calcium comes in many different forms, including vegetables like kale, Tums tablets, or regular calcium tabs.
All of our moms and babies are important to us! I do everything in my power to set my does up for healthy deliveries. Below are some of the things that I do before a doe reaches her due date.
I will sometimes decrease a doe's feed by about 10% starting 3 days before her due date. This can help minimize the risk of the kits growing too large for her to safely deliver. I don't do this with all of my does - I generally only decrease feed for those who are small in size or tend to have smaller litters.
Does loose calcium during delivery, so I like to provide them with a calcium boost. I generally supplement my does with calcium given on their due date, and occasionally the day before they are due. Studies have shown that giving calcium several days before the due date (i.e. a week before) can cause the doe’s body to store up the extra calcium, making it near impossible for her to access that calcium during delivery. Calcium given farther in advance of the due date (i.e. a couple of weeks before) or very close to the due date will be more effective. Personally, I have never given it far in advance and prefer to give it right around the due date. Many breeders choose not to give calcium unless there appear to be complications. In such cases, the doe will generally eat the calcium if she needs it. Calcium comes in many different forms, including vegetables like kale, Tums tablets, or regular calcium tabs.
Raspberry leaves have natural properties that can ease contractions, even if given before labor starts. I have found a natural raspberry leaf tea that I like offer to my does around their due date. I prepare the tea according to the directions on the box, allow it to cool, and give about 4 oz. in a crock. Most of my girls don’t drink more than a few sips, but I once had a doe who loved her tea!
Another thing that I have found first-time does will often do is deliver their kits outside of the nest box - either because they refuse to use the box as their nest location, or they are simply confused and don't know what's happening. If you aren't lucky enough to find the kits shortly after birth, the outcome can be heartbreaking. For this reason, I keep two solid-bottomed pet cages. When I have a first time doe a few days out from her due date, I will move her to one of these cages and give her the nest box. I keep the floor of the cage covered with hay and nesting material so that any kits delivered outside of the box will stay warm enough until I find them. I've been able to save kits that otherwise would've froze to death this way!
Another thing that I have found first-time does will often do is deliver their kits outside of the nest box - either because they refuse to use the box as their nest location, or they are simply confused and don't know what's happening. If you aren't lucky enough to find the kits shortly after birth, the outcome can be heartbreaking. For this reason, I keep two solid-bottomed pet cages. When I have a first time doe a few days out from her due date, I will move her to one of these cages and give her the nest box. I keep the floor of the cage covered with hay and nesting material so that any kits delivered outside of the box will stay warm enough until I find them. I've been able to save kits that otherwise would've froze to death this way!
Inducing Labor
If I have a doe who has not kindled by the evening of day 31, I begin trying to induce labor. Because Hollands are so small, I don't like to see them go past day 32 as the risk for complications like stuck kits increases dramatically at that point.
Not only do raspberry leaves ease contractions, they can induce labor too! If a doe is overdue and I am attempting to help her labor, I will often syringe-feed a couple of ounces of raspberry leaf tea, or mix it up with some oats to entice the doe to eat it.
One of the most natural ways to help induce labor is to give the doe some play time. Allowing the doe to move around is a great way to help encourage labor. Mine always enjoy the opportunity to hop around, and often deliver shortly afterwards.
Parsley is an herb that can help stimulate contractions. I typically only give it to my does after trying tea and playtime. As with the tea, some does like it and others won't touch it! Parsley can be given fresh or dried.
If I have a doe who has not kindled by the evening of day 31, I begin trying to induce labor. Because Hollands are so small, I don't like to see them go past day 32 as the risk for complications like stuck kits increases dramatically at that point.
Not only do raspberry leaves ease contractions, they can induce labor too! If a doe is overdue and I am attempting to help her labor, I will often syringe-feed a couple of ounces of raspberry leaf tea, or mix it up with some oats to entice the doe to eat it.
One of the most natural ways to help induce labor is to give the doe some play time. Allowing the doe to move around is a great way to help encourage labor. Mine always enjoy the opportunity to hop around, and often deliver shortly afterwards.
Parsley is an herb that can help stimulate contractions. I typically only give it to my does after trying tea and playtime. As with the tea, some does like it and others won't touch it! Parsley can be given fresh or dried.
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