The Care to Be Taken When a Rabbit Is Pregnant

Unless you were intentionally breeding your rabbit, it can be tricky to know for sure she is pregnant. Your rabbit might change her mood or eating habits but you should take her to a veterinarian to be sure of her condition. If you were intentionally breeding, it's much easier to come to this conclusion. All you have to do is mark down the breeding date and count 31 days forward. The gestation period for rabbits is 31 days. Make a special note around the 28th day when your rabbit begins the nesting period of her pregnancy.

  1. Accomodate Her Mood Changes

    • One of the first signs of pregnancy in your rabbit is a change in her mood which might include aggression. If you notice her backing away when you open her cage, or even growling at you, this might be a sign of pregnancy. Be cautious if she reacts this way. Do not force the rabbit in your arms or try to cuddle with her. It is best not to handle her too much. Just provide her with her much needed space. Keep her area stress-free and quiet. Rabbits are very edgy animals and stress could harm the unborn babies.

    Confirm Pregnancy

    • Determining pregnancy can be difficult. If you suspect that your rabbit is pregnant, you should contact your local veterinarian at around day 10 to 14 of the gestation period. Your veterinarian can "palpate" the abdomen. He will place the rabbit on a soft surface and gently cup her stomach with his hand. He will lightly press on one side of the backbone with four fingers and then using his thumb on the other side. The veterinarian might be able to feel grape-size bumps her belly, which will confirm pregnancy. You and your vet can then discuss a pregnancy plan and go through your rabbit's medical record to determine any risks.

    Provide Enough Food

    • Provide your rabbit with extra rabbit food as soon as you suspect pregnancy. Pregnant rabbits need to eat more, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. If your pet rabbit is finishing all her food, then give her more the next day. Pregnancy can be exhausting and energy consuming so allow her the extra calories. Don't worry as your rabbit moves into the later stages of her pregnancy and her eating habits decrease. The baby rabbits are just taking up room in her stomach so she won't feel as hungry. The rabbit might not even eat on the day she delivers.

    Create a Nesting Box

    • The nesting time could start anywhere from the 27th day onward. Your rabbit will begin pulling out her own fur to make a cozy nest for her baby bunnies. Provide your rabbit with a nesting box. Fill it with nesting materials like hay or straw. Do not use wood shavings because this has been known to harm the eyes and mouths of the baby bunnies. Simply place the materials within the rabbit hutch and let the bunny arrange it as she pleases.