does kindling

One of my two does was due to kindle tonight. I was pretty exited because she had pulled a lot of fur of this morning so I though this was a sure sign that she was pregnant. My wife called me at 4 this afternoon when she went to turn the fan on in the shed and found 4 dead kits in the corner of the cage, out of the nesting box, but in her fur. It was not the best start, but I gave her the best pellets I could find, clean water, shade, and fresh air, so I am guessing it was the heat. It has been 85 to 90 with 80% humidity. Hopefully the younger doe will fair better in two nights when she is due.

Aw, I'm sorry to hear that.  Please know that it is not uncommon at all for a doe to lose the entire first litter.  Yes, it does sound warmer than ideal but it sounds like you are doing the best for her and this is "just one of those things".  With what you write I would fully expect it to go better next time.

What kind of rabbits do you have?  I myself am just getting up and going with breeding rabbits.  My family raised them when I was young but I have never done this on my own.  It's been good for my soul.

I am raising Florida Whites. I spoke with the breeder and he suggested not breeding them in the summer. I just assumed with the posts I was reading from Texas that if they can I could, but I guess not. It has been wonderful for my two young daughters to be involved with feeding and watering. Hopefully the other young doe will kindle but if not I am waiting till the temperatures come down to try again.

Don't worry too much about a doe who loses her first litter.  Not uncommon at all.  We give a doe at least 3 chances before culling.  Heat is harder on rabbits than cold is, and bucks will sometimes not breed above a certain temp, so many people don't try to breed during the hottest part of summer.  Make sure your doe isn't overweight, sometimes people tend to think they are being nice by feeding what the rabbit will eat, but it is easy for them to get too much feed. 

I would not be so worried if this was her first litter, but this is at least a two year old doe who I payed a considerable amount for because she was supposed to be a great breeder. The younger doe kindled two nights ago and had three live kits. Not very big litters, but they look healthy. I will not be breeding in July again.