Preparing a Doe for Kindling

We have had some amazingly nice weather here in the Northeast. Yesterday it was 60 degrees. Last year at this time we had snow and loss of power due to a storm. However, as I type the snowflakes are falling. Winter is here! So for those who breed year round and/or newer ones that have not decided on a plan to do so or not: I can honestly say I have NEVER lost kits on the wire - The reason being is I do not ask my Does to kindle on wire bottom cages. I kindle all my Does - regardless of breed in solid bottom cages - I offer a nest box at one end but it is up to her if she chooses to use it - 1 week prior to due date expectant Does are moved to the "nursery". A few inches of shavings and a very large flake of hay and a nesting box - (I use saved shoe and boot boxes from my kids) A day or two before the Due date I place a large towel over the cage if I feel a Doe is a little more skittish or if it is a first time mother or even first in our barn. Most of the time they choose a corner and build a beautiful nest and kindle as happy as can be. after a day or so I will move the nest and kits into the shoe box (if she did not choose to use it) - only so they cannot wander out of the nest and get cold. This is what works for me - I have way too much invested in both time and finances to take any changes on losing valuable kits. I see so many posts on many different breeds pages about losing kits on the wire - or "went out to check and she had them early and did not use the nest box". Something that is lamented all to frequently on social media pages from all breeds and levels of experience. I feel that we as humans have become somewhat arrogant in dictating to a prey animal where they must have their offspring - they are instinct driven and most vulnerable, on high alert and most susceptible to stress when babies are due. Forcing them to make a decision without any real choices could be construed as cruel. to add insult to injury, many breeders will actually cull Does for refusing a nest box in wired bottom cage - using a so called 3 strike system. I make sure they have as many options as possible to make their own choices and have a favorable outcome: live and healthy litters with content brood Does.