How long should the kits be left with the doe?

The ideal time for kits to remain with the doe is 5-8 weeks. During this crucial period, the kits benefit from the mother's milk, which provides vital nutrition and antibodies essential for their health and immune system development. This time frame allows the kits not only to grow and gain strength but also to learn vital social and behavioral skills from their mother.

As they approach 5-8 weeks, kits are typically beginning to eat solid food while still nursing, which helps facilitate a smooth transition to independent feeding. Furthermore, allowing them to stay with the doe for this length of time supports proper weaning, as they learn to forage and adapt to life outside the nest soon after separation.

In contrast, leaving them for durations shorter than this may result in insufficient maternal care, which can negatively impact their health and growth. Prolonged periods beyond this time frame could lead to dependency issues or competitive behavior among the rabbits, where the doe may become stressed or overly aggressive as she tries to manage the needs of a litter that's too old to still be relying on her. Hence, the 5-8 week mark strikes a balance that meets the developmental needs of the kits while promoting the well-being of both the doe and her young.