Netherland dwarf rabbit pregnant HELP!!!!

Typically, does don't pull significant amounts of fur until just before or just after the babies arrive. That said, rabbits don't read the books (they just nibble the pages), and until you have experience with a particular doe, you can't be sure what she will do. Some stray pretty far from what is considered typical, and still get the job done.

I don't feed a pregnant doe any differently than any other adult rabbit. Especially with a dwarf breed, you don't want them to get too fat, and the more "extras" you are giving, the harder it is to calculate just how much to give. I would skip the oats; good quality rabbit feeds are designed to contain all the nutrition necessary for feeding a rabbit, and even supporting the occasional pregnancy and lactation period. Now, if you were doing an intensive breeding program where this doe was almost constantly pregnant and/or nursing, she might need supplemental feeding, but most people wouldn't do that to a Dwarf.

I'd keep an eye on this girl; if you don't see babies in that nest within the next couple of days, I'd be betting on a false pregnancy. The longest period I have seen between fur pulling and delivery was about 10 days, so I can't absolutely rule a genuine pregnancy out - how long has it been since the last time the buck was in the cage next door? Believe it or not, there have been cases of rabbits that were housed next to each other, and they apparently managed to breed through the wire, so you may have to wait until a month after that last possible date to be sure about what your doe is doing.
 
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If it has only been a week since the buck was in with her, she may be having a false pregnancy or just being hormonal, rather than being pregnant. Most does only begin making nests a few days/one week before giving birth, though there are definitely exceptions. For now, we might as well assume your doe is pregnant, as it is better to be prepared than not.

You do not need to feed her anything extra until/if she gives birth. Regular rabbit pellets in normal amounts are fine. Fat does will have harder times giving birth and may have problems with pregnancy toxemia. If/when she has babies, then start free feeding her pellets and possibly supplementing her with some oatmeal. I don't normally supplement my does unless they have large litters and seem to be having trouble producing enough milk or maintaining body condition.

At least in my experience, there is no set time of day that does will give birth. Most of mine do so around 7:00pm or 6:00am, but I have had some kindle around many other times, including 10:00am, noon, and 2:00pm. It all depends on the doe, her internal "schedule," and her comfort level with her surroundings. Sometime at night would be a reasonable bet for your doe delivering.

Fortunately, rabbit deliveries are generally straightforward and require minimal/no human intervention. In fact, it is best if you just leave your doe alone, only periodically checking on her. Unless there are stuck kits or other problems, rabbits typically have all their kits in less than 30 minutes.

Once/if your doe kindles (the technical term for rabbit birthing), don't be afraid of handling her kits. I often check nests even a few minutes after the kits are born to remove dead ones, clean dirty nest material, and just check on the overall welfare of the doe and her litter. If the doe seems wary of you, distract her with a treat. Feel free to check the kits several times a day if you want. Look for full bellies and happy, warm kits.

Keep us updated!
 
Does the fact that this is (or would be if she is pregnant:)) her first litter have anything to do with how well she takes care of the kits, what time of day they are born or anything like that?
 
Does the fact that this is (or would be if she is pregnant:)) her first litter have anything to do with how well she takes care of the kits, what time of day they are born or anything like that?
Some don't know what they are doing the first time. But if it has good instincts and everything is stress free, it generally goes okay.
 
If it has only been a week since the buck was in with her, she may be having a false pregnancy or just being hormonal, rather than being pregnant. Most does only begin making nests a few days/one week before giving birth, though there are definitely exceptions.

The last time he was in her cage was about a week ago, but he had definitely been in her cage before that.
 
Does anyone think it is "safe" to palpate her? Because I am assuming that she is pretty close to delivering (if she is pregnant) and everyone says to palpate from day 10 to day 14...is this just preference and I should try or should I just wait and see? (note that i have never palpated before :)
 

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