Weaning Method: Remove the Doe

Remove the doe from the litter's cage at weaning time, leaving the kits in their familiar environment. Move the doe to a separate clean cage. This is the preferred method in most small-scale and commercial operations because it minimizes stress on the kits during an already vulnerable transition.

Why It Works

Kits that remain in their home cage retain access to familiar scent markers, established hierarchy, and known food and water locations. Removing a single adult is far less disruptive than relocating an entire litter. Kits left in place show lower stress levels and resume normal feeding faster than relocated kits.

Tips

• Have the doe's new cage prepared and sanitized before weaning day
• Remove the doe in the morning so kits have the full day to adjust before nightfall
• If the doe is being rebred, she can go directly to the buck's cage before her new housing