1. Courtship: Male and female rabbits engage in courtship behavior, which involves chasing, circling, and sniffing each other. The male rabbit may also perform a "boxing match" with the female, where they stand on their hind legs and punch each other with their front paws.
2. Mating: When a female rabbit is receptive to mating, she will assume a submissive posture by crouching low to the ground. The male rabbit will then mount the female and insert his penis into her vagina. Mating usually lasts for a few seconds.
3. Gestation: After mating, the female rabbit will become pregnant. The gestation period for rabbits is about 30 to 32 days. During this time, the female will build a nest, usually in a burrow or sheltered area, where she will give birth.
4. Giving birth: When the female rabbit is ready to give birth, she will enter a "kindling nest." This is a specially prepared nest made from fur and grass, where she will give birth to a litter of baby rabbits, called "kits." The number of kits in a litter can vary from 2 to 10, with an average of 5 to 6. The kits are born naked and helpless, with their eyes closed.
5. Nursing: The female rabbit will nurse her kits for about 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, the kits will grow rapidly and their fur will start to grow. The kits will also begin to explore their surroundings and eat solid food.
Once the kits are fully weaned, they will leave their mother and start to live independently. In optimal conditions, rabbits can reproduce several times a year, making them prolific breeders.