Doe giving in labor? or something else?

[kada6305]

I am new to this so bare with me ! I got my rabbits a few weeks ago, both loped eared. one doe one buck I would say about 4 months old or so. The previous owners knew they had a breeding pair but had them caged together. So I figured she was pregnant. anyway I was cleaning her cage out today. I got her out so I could clean the inside out and wipe it down since there was soom poop on the wire. I picked her up and notices she was bleeding from underneath and there was some blood in her cage, So I hurry up and cleaned the cage up. I added some straw and hay to the inside of her cage so she could make a nest if needed. she hasn't pulled any fur yet. But I jsut checked on her and her breathing is heavy. is she in labor? How long until she has babies?

 

[Duckchick2011]

That sounds like the beginnings of labor. Has she pulled any fur? Any carrying straw in her mouth? Most does will do this but first time mom's sometimes skip this step in their confusion. The best advice I can give is to stay away from her cage until very very early in the morning (like sunrise) and then check. She needs the privacy so she doesn't get too nervous and her instincts can kick in.

No kits by morning should be a warning sign that something is wrong.

If you go out and kits are on the wire with no nest built then bunch up some hay in a nest shape in the nest box and put them in it. If no nest box find something suitable now before she has them. (boxes and plastic bins are unreliable and normally get kicked over and drug around. A real wooden or metal nest box is ideal)

Don't get too excited, with rabbits it is 50/50 with the first litters. Either the mom will do well or she won't and you will lose them. So don't get too emotionally invested early on. Once your past day three you can relax a little and start enjoying them.

I sure hope she does well and everything goes smoothly. 4 months is a little young, but it happens sometimes.



....One lllasssttt little bit of info though, rabbits can have red and orange pee that can really through a new owner for a loop. I am not saying that it wasn't blood but I have made the mistake before myself and just thought I would mention it.

God bless and good luck!

 

[kada6305]

she hasn't pulled any fur or carried any straw. I do have a nesting box in there for her. she hasn't used it yet. I am leaving her alone until tomorrow. I checked on her about 30 minutes ago or so and noticed the labored breathing so figured it's best If I just leave her alone. Thank you !

 

[kada6305]

oh, and i'm not sure But I think it was blood. It was all in her fur too. But I didn't want to stress her out so figured I would wait until she kindles until I clean her up.

 

[kada6305]

I took quick video of her breathing..

 

[Duckchick2011]

She does seem to be breathing hard, not fast but there is def. something going on. Have you noticed her pushing any? Laying down and getting back up a lot? Sometimes if you look closely at a doe's side you will see quick little feet kicking. ...Once she really starts it will happen quick. Rabbits don't drag out the birthing process like dogs and cats.

 

[kada6305]

She has been breathing like this for a few hours now. Hopefully we have kits by morning.

 

[kada6305]

No babies, boyfriend noticed her nose is really wet and said she's almost sounds like she's weazing..ill check on her a few hours. He left me money for the vets just in case..

 

[Duckchick2011]

No babies, boyfriend noticed her nose is really wet and said she's almost sounds like she's weazing..ill check on her a few hours. He left me money for the vets just in case..

How did everything go??? Did you end up going to the vet? She sounds like she is in trouble, labored breathing, plus bleeding and no kits is always trouble. If you have the money for a vet and are willing to spend it one her I would get going there. That is just my Opinion though.

 

[Jessie620]

So what happened?