Signs That a Lionhead Rabbit Is in Heat

The lionhead rabbit is a specific breed of domestic rabbit, scientifically known as Oryctolagus cuniculus. Unlike many other mammals, female rabbits do not have a regular, hormonally controlled reproductive cycle. Consequently, they do not go into heat and are able to breed at any time. Vaginal bleeding or bloody urine do not indicate heat and are symptoms of reproductive system diseases that require veterinary attention.

  1. Characteristics

    • The most outstanding characteristic of a lionhead rabbit is the wooly mass of fur that encircles its head like a lion's mane The fur is 2 to 3 inches long and requires regular grooming to prevent matting. Double mane types have a skirt of longer fur around their lower body as well. The lionhead rabbit weighs 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 lbs. and is small compared to other rabbits. Its upright ears measure 3 inches or less. Lionhead rabbits typically live to be 7 to 9 years old.

    Reproductive Schedule

    • Small breed female rabbits reach sexual maturity between 4 and 6 months of age. Generally, they reproduce when they reach 75 to 80 percent of their adult size. They do not have reproductive cycles with regular periods of heat when fertilization occurs. Conception is always possible because they are reflex ovulators. Ovulation is induced by sexual intercourse and generally occurs nine to 13 hours after the act. Although female rabbits lack a true estrous cycle, they do exhibit rhythmic intervals every four to seven days, during which they are receptive to males. At these times, the doe's external genitals, specifically the vulva, sometimes swell and become reddish-purple in color.

    Population Control

    • Rabbits reproduce rapidly; a good thing for breeders, but a problem for pet owners wanting to control their rabbit population. Owners not diligent about keeping their does and bucks separated are likely to end up with unwanted litters. Conception is typically most likely during cool months of the year, and lowest when it is hot and humid. Removing a doe's ovaries and uterus at maturity alleviates problems associated with mating, reproductive health and unwanted pregnancy.

    Reproductive System Disease

    • Bloody urine is rare in rabbits, but red urine is not. Red urine is usually caused by plant pigments found in foods such as carrots, spinach and others containing beta-carotene. It also occurs during antibiotic therapy or during the first cold snap in the fall. In these cases, it is not a medical problem. Urine appears red when mixed with a bloody vaginal discharge. Vaginal bleeding accompaniese conditions such as uterine polyps, spontaneous abortion and reproductive system cancers.