How to Tell if Your Rabbit is Pregnant

Rabbits can be sweet, loving pets, but their behavior is often a mystery. If your rabbit is pregnant, missing the signs could cause significant harm to your rabbit or to its unborn kits.
Here are some hints on how to tell if she's really pregnant.

Things You'll Need

  • A female rabbit
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Instructions

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      1. Do the math. Has she been in contact with an intact male in the past 30 days? Rabbit gestation period runs from 28-32 days with very little deviation from this range. If it's been any longer than 40 days since the contact, you're most likely in the clear.

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      2. Examine her fur: especially under the chin. If her fur is loose, this could be a sign of pregnancy. A pregnant doe's fur will pull away in clumps to use as nesting for the kits.

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      3. Watch her behavior. A pregnant doe will often display repetitive behaviors, digging or chewing in an unusual place, or with increased tenacity. A better indication is "pulling". A pregnant doe will "pull" fur; and she won't necessarily start with her own! If she's pulling thread from sweaters or stuffed toys, or even tugging fur from her mate, she could be signaling that she's pregnant. She will stuff these materials in her mouth and place them where she intends to birth the kits.

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      4. Feel her abdomen-but be careful! If you feel small, marble-like lumps, you've found the kits. Do not attempt this if you are new to breeding, as you could injure the kits.

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      5. Visit your vet. Even if your vet is inexperienced with rabbits, she'll be able to x-ray your doe and verify if she is pregnant.