Can Two Female Rabbits Have Babies in the Same Cage?

In the wild, rabbits may become territorial rather than social, so housing more than one rabbit requires some time to make sure the rabbits are compatible. In general, pregnancy increases territorial urges. If you are going to keep pregnant females together, you have options to reduce stress on both animals.

  1. Multiple-rabbit cages

    • When considering how many rabbits can share a space, the ASPCA suggests a minimum of 8 square feet per animal so the animals won't feel threatened by the others and fight for food or water. Keep the cage filled with enough hay, water, food and toys to keep both rabbits happy.

    Introducing the Rabbits

    • If the two rabbits are not already cage-mates, you'll need to introduce them and allow them to bond before housing them together. This may take some time and involves letting them spend time together in a neutral area before attempting to put them in the same cage.

      If one rabbit makes threatening movements, squirt water from a spray bottle on the aggressor before a fight breaks out. Take them to their own cages and try again later once they are both calm.

      Work with them for about 20 minutes at a time, twice a day until they snuggle and rub noses. Once they've bonded and enjoy each other's company, you are much less likely to have any issues in a shared cage.

    Pregnant Does

    • When pregnant, rabbits tend to become even more territorial than usual. Therefore, if you choose to house two pregnant females together, be certain they have slightly more room to account for additional territorial urges due to their pregnancies.

      Give them some extra space by letting them out separately for exercise and play, so they both get enough attention and minimize the time they spend together.

      When one doe starts pulling out her own fur and collecting hay to make a nest it means she's ready to give birth (called kindling). It's time to remove the other doe from the cage if at all possible.

    Care of the Kits

    • Once one of the does gives birth, it's best to place her and the kits in their own cage. This eliminates the possibility of fighting if she thinks the other doe is threatening her babies. The kits or the other pregnant doe might be seriously injured if a fight breaks out.

      Does tend to nurse the kits only when they feel safe, so the presence of another doe may discourage nursing and lead to abandonment.

      Additionally, separating the does allows you to make sure both mothers are properly taking care of their own kits, and keep track of which babies belong to which doe. In the event any of the kits are sick or injured, you can more easily discover the problems in time and be certain the doe will be able to recognize her own offspring and take care if it.