Should a nest box be placed with a doe as soon as she is bred?

The practice of placing a nest box with a doe immediately after breeding is not advisable. It is generally recommended to wait until closer to the time of kindling, which is the process of giving birth. Placing a nest box too early can lead to the doe becoming stressed or misusing the box, as she may not yet have the instinctual need to create a nesting area at that stage.

Typically, a nest box should be introduced about a week before the expected due date, which provides the doe ample opportunity to prepare for the arrival of her kits. This timeline allows the doe to feel more secure and encourages her natural behaviors associated with nesting, leading to a successful environment for the kits once they are born.

Understanding the correct timing for offering a nest box helps in fostering a healthy habitat for both the mother and her young, ensuring that the kits have a safe and warm space to thrive.