young rabbits dying

[richardeblack]

Hello,
I have found 3 dead young (not baby) rabbits in as many days. They are all apparently well fed, with not marks or injuries apparent.
It has been very dry here in LIncolnshire for some time now and wonder if that might have any bearing. Should I put water out?
Any ideas welcome.
Many thanks,
Richard.

[STYRBJORN]

The dam may have been killed and the kits not quite old enough to fend for themselves.

[Farplace]

It could be VHD disease. Rabbits often die without apparent symptoms when they get this disease. Very common in some parts of the uk. A warning to vaccinate your pets, as this disease can be carried by birds, or on clothing.

[bigdave60dog]

Did you look on the back of the neck for Stoat or Weasel bites?
Foxes will just shake to kill without leaving marks and will carry off what they can before returning for the remainder.
I would eliminate the Stoat option before looking any further.
Dave

[richardeblack]

Thanks for the replies,
I have checked thoroughly for injury and have found none. I have had a look at the VHD bit, and all rabbits have appeared healthy (apart from being dead), which I would guess VHD would leave them appearing unhealthy.
Should I take any others to the vet for checking? or is it just something that takes it's course and just accept it. I obviously can't vaccinate wild rabbits. Is it just a risk to rabbits, as my sheep are in the paddock in which the rabbit warren is?
I am hoping, sad though it is, that it is that their mother has died.
Many thanks,
Richard.

[ForestPaul]

Originally Posted by richardeblack

Is it just a risk to rabbits, as my sheep are in the paddock in which the rabbit warren is?

VHD only affects rabbits so your sheep are safe. Although, being sheep, they'll be hard at work trying to find other ways to die

[richardeblack]

Originally Posted by ForestPaul

VHD only affects rabbits so your sheep are safe. Although, being sheep, they'll be hard at work trying to find other ways to die

Thanks for that, Paul, I know just what you mean. As soon as they stop trying to escape, they spend the rest of their lives trying to find new and novel ways to die. Mine are now about 10 years old so have stopped the escaping bit. Just waiting for the dying bit.
Many thanks,
Cheers,
Richard.

[Jackaroo]

Originally Posted by richardeblack

Thanks for that, Paul, I know just what you mean. As soon as they stop trying to escape, they spend the rest of their lives trying to find new and novel ways to die. Mine are now about 10 years old so have stopped the escaping bit. Just waiting for the dying bit.
Many thanks,
Cheers,
Richard.

Aye, the thing about sheep is, that you can't just wrap them up in cotton wool!!!!

[STYRBJORN]

The price of lamb as it is, some-one's getting fleeced.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by richardeblack

Thanks for the replies,
I have checked thoroughly for injury and have found none. I have had a look at the VHD bit, and all rabbits have appeared healthy (apart from being dead), which I would guess VHD would leave them appearing unhealthy.
Should I take any others to the vet for checking? or is it just something that takes it's course and just accept it. I obviously can't vaccinate wild rabbits. Is it just a risk to rabbits, as my sheep are in the paddock in which the rabbit warren is?
I am hoping, sad though it is, that it is that their mother has died.
Many thanks,
Richard.

I saw on gardeners world yesterday the dry weather was the cause of a lot of rabbits dying they were talking about wild rabbits being a pest and the amount of crops they eat is enormous.

Hope the sheep live long enough to make it to the slaughter house.