Baby Rabbit Development

Rabbits are the poster children for reproduction. They are commonly used in phrases such as "doing it like rabbits" and "breeding like rabbits." Understanding their reproductive nature and the life stages of a rabbit can make for healthier and happier rabbits, as well as a fuller understanding of the rabbit's physical nature.

  1. Neonatal

    • Rabbits are mammals, meaning that they begin their development inside the mother's womb. They start out as a single egg which is then fertilized by the male's sperm. This is called the zygote. From there the egg divides into cells forming the blastocyst, which is basically a ball of cells. Once this blastocyst begins to take on the form of the baby rabbit, it is called an embryo. Here is where it will begin to differentiate itself from every other mammal since they all start out the same way. Rabbits typically take 31 days from conception to delivery.

    Post-natal

    • When baby rabbits are born they are naked, blind and deaf. They are completely relent on their mother rabbit. Do not be concerned if the mother is rarely seen with the baby rabbits though. She may not lay with the babies like cats and dogs do because she is a prey animal and does not want to call attention to her nest. This is true even if there are no predatory animals around. She will nurse the babies once or twice a day. Checking the babies to see that they are together and if their stomachs are distended can be done. If the babies are scattered or the stomachs appear pulled in, a trip the veterinarian may be necessary because the mother may not be properly feeding them.

    Weaning

    • Rabbit babies are weaned from their mother at three weeks of age. Before being weaned, the baby rabbits are fed twice a day by the mother. She feeds them her milk, and as they get closer to being weaned, they are introduced to the grass and other foods that they will be eating. Once they are weaned, they will not be allowed by the mother to drink her milk.

    Leaving the Nest

    • Baby rabbits typically leave their mother's nest at seven weeks of age. From here they will find their own nest and will find its own territory. Rabbits are typically solitary creatures, although young rabbits may stick together for a short period of time. Eventually the rabbits will find their own dens and their own way.

    Sexual Maturity

    • Baby rabbits reach sexual maturity at three months of age. At this point they will be ready to make their own family and baby rabbits. During the mating process, males will box each other to determine which one is more dominate. Once the dominate male is established, he will dance with the female in courtship. This will eventually end in mating and the reproduction of new baby bunnies.