1. Behavioral Changes: Pregnant rabbits may show behavioral changes such as nesting, increased appetite, and irritability. They may start building a nest by pulling out fur from their belly and chest area to line the nest.
2. Weight Gain: Pregnancy causes weight gain in rabbits. If your rabbit is noticeably heavier than usual, it could be a sign of pregnancy.
3. Palpating the Abdomen: Gently and carefully feel the rabbit's abdomen for any palpable lumps. If you can feel firm, round objects about the size of marbles or grapes, these may be the babies (kits). However, it's essential to be gentle when doing this as you don't want to harm the mother or babies.
4. Checking the Milk Line: As the pregnancy progresses, the milk line, which is a line of small bumps along the belly, becomes more pronounced and darker in color. This usually happens a few days before giving birth.
5. Ultrasound: If you want a more definitive confirmation of pregnancy, you can take your rabbit to a veterinarian for an ultrasound. This is the most accurate way to determine the presence and number of babies (kits).
It's important to keep in mind that even if you suspect your rabbit is pregnant, it's best to consult a veterinarian experienced with rabbits to confirm the pregnancy and ensure the well-being of the mother and babies.