Rabbit Pregnancy
Rabbit Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Whether you are breeding your rabbits or they are taking matters into their own hands, you will need to prepare for the eventuality of rabbit pregnancy.
First, it should be said that it is recommended that rabbit owners do everything in their power to keep rabbit pregnancy from occurring. Because of the large litters and unchecked populations, there is an overabundance of most rabbits, negating the need for additional litters to be born. Very few breeds are underbred, and those which are should be carefully bred by experienced breeders.
If you are faced with a rabbit pregnancy, you will need to know how to care for the expectant mother in order to keep her and her prospective litter healthy. Female rabbits are called does, and does do not always announce their pregnancy with outward signs in the beginning. She may become slightly grumpy, but unless you have been observing her closely, this sign may slip by you if it exists. Some does may show signs of aggressiveness.
You may make a trip to the veterinarian with your doe to confirm a rabbit pregnancy, but be aware that even veterinarians have been known to miss pregnancy signs. This is attributed more to the doe’s ability to disguise the pregnancy than the vet’s abilities. If the doe is at least 20 days pregnant, you or the vet may be able to feel the fetuses by palpating her abdomen. Before that time, it’s anyone’s guess whether or not you have a rabbit pregnancy.
Around the time of 28 days into gestation, the doe will begin to search for an appropriate birthing spot. This will most likely be a discreet spot, such as a tucked away cardboard box. She will also show signs of beginning to “feather” her nest. She does this by pulling fur from her abdomen and leg areas. Hay may be gathered and placed at the chosen nest site as well. These are sure signs that a rabbit pregnancy is well underway; in fact, kindling, or birthing, may be imminent at this point.
Rabbit pregnancy generally lasts around 35 days, but kindling can occur as early as 28 days. Your doe’s behavior will let you know how she is progressing. When kindling time arrives, it will be over almost before it starts; the process lasts only about 10 to 15 minutes.
Lastly, when faced with a rabbit pregnancy, there are several other issues you will need to consider right away, since the pregnancy lasts only around a month. There will be anywhere from 7 to 13 kits, or baby bunnies. You will need to find homes for those you do not plan to keep.
Whether or not planned, a rabbit pregnancy comes with a great deal of responsibility for the rabbit owner.