Hi Naka

While for a good solid book on rabbits, storey's livestock books are always a first solid starting point,

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1603424563

But the second thing I would do is look for your alberta government write ups on rabbit keeping, rabbit breeding trends, rabbit selling markets etc. Each province keeps a decent and in some cases excellent database available for free to anyone who wants to search online.

They are often on topic of how to deal with all kinds of things you would not think of, until you get on the site and read though it,

I do find the different provinces can have both different and overlapping information to share, so do also consider reading B.C. and any other provinces that have similar northern climates that you are living in.

the last and greatest source of info is the annual "spring or fall" bird and small critter sale, start asking around, and track down this regular swap/sale and then ask quietly, who is the folks to talk to about rabbits, once you get one or two or five folks all sending you to the same gentleman or family, then seek them out, wait for the right moment, introduce and either just get contact info(if they are busy) or chat them up if they are not 🙂

The kits are now 8 days old. Not sure who the mama is, the bunny or my daughter she checks on them at least 10 times a day.

What a great looking bunch of wee buns, they are all looking nice and fat with full tummies, good momma rabbit.. eyes should be opening soon and in another week, they will be having tiny nibbles, your daughter will be over the moon at the cuteness.. (she does know what they are at some point going for right?)

I will admit that you can often find me taking five in the outdoor chair and sitting with a bun..

She is over the moon at the cuteness, and she does know they are for food. She has named them Mondays supper and so on.

The kits are 12 days old and opening and closing their eyes. Can they be picked up now.

yes, they can be picked up, for the first time, have the person, pet the momma, then pet and cuddle the bun, and then put it back and see if she stresses or reacts, if not, you should be good be good to go. if she has already been petting them in the nest with no issues, then you should have no issues with the pickups!

Thanks farmgal, were still learning.