Pregnant Rabbit Question

[Ninjasquirrel]

I guess I should mention I slimmed her down a little before this breeding as well. She was within the weight for her breed standard but did seem “fluffy” weight wise so that could have been affecting.

I wouldnt think that would affect it. I know it can with the buck as he might be just "too fat and lazy to breed". If your buck has performed well it's unfortunate to say that your doe might just "be a wash" as you said. I wish I had more advice for you on that. You could try breeding her again after she kindles and that might stir her reproduction.

 

[Bunnylady]

Actually, it can have an effect, if the doe was overweight to begin with. Fat plays a role in the hormone cycle; while you want a female to have some reserve stores, significantly overweight females have lower fertility (that goes for many species, not just rabbits!)

 

[sharrielee]

I have an 8 month old Californian doe. We are on our third attempt at breeding and I am very confident she took this time. Today is day 28 and I came home from work to find a ridiculous amount of fur floating around the entire yard. So much so that I thought a predator has gotten a bunny. Fortunately not. She appears to have pulled a spot about 2x2 inches on her right side completely bald. I immediately placed her clean nest box in filled with hay and gathered as much fur as possible and also placed inside. I provided her with extra hay as well which she promptly began to munch on. I checked back about 3 hours later and there is so much poop in her Nestbox! She previously pooped and urinated in the box on our previous two attempts, but she never took. I have put it as far away from her normal potty corner as possible. Wondering if anyone else has experienced a truly pregnant doe that soils the Nestbox? Also is it normal for her to pull so much fur? My Rex doe has never done either of these things.

Rabbits like a litter box. To help with this, try putting in with just shavings or something in her potty corner. If she is on wire also give her a mat or something she can sit on besides in the nest box.

 

[sharrielee]

I have an 8 month old Californian doe. We are on our third attempt at breeding and I am very confident she took this time. Today is day 28 and I came home from work to find a ridiculous amount of fur floating around the entire yard. So much so that I thought a predator has gotten a bunny. Fortunately not. She appears to have pulled a spot about 2x2 inches on her right side completely bald. I immediately placed her clean nest box in filled with hay and gathered as much fur as possible and also placed inside. I provided her with extra hay as well which she promptly began to munch on. I checked back about 3 hours later and there is so much poop in her Nestbox! She previously pooped and urinated in the box on our previous two attempts, but she never took. I have put it as far away from her normal potty corner as possible. Wondering if anyone else has experienced a truly pregnant doe that soils the Nestbox? Also is it normal for her to pull so much fur? My Rex doe has never done either of these things.

And yes, on the fur. I had one that would be almost bald on one side. Good mama.

 

[Sassy07]

Sometime between 8am and 4pm today she kindled inside the Nestbox and appears to have done everything right! I saw at least 5 little wiggly bodies in there, but it’s a little chilly so will wait for warmer temps tomorrow to do a thorough check. Thanks everyone for the advice!

 

[Sara L]

Sometime between 8am and 4pm today she kindled inside the Nestbox and appears to have done everything right! I saw at least 5 little wiggly bodies in there, but it’s a little chilly so will wait for warmer temps tomorrow to do a thorough check. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Congratulations!! That's so exciting! I hope all goes well with the mama and babies.

 

[Sassy07]

Thank you! Just counted 8 little wrigglers in there.

 

[Flaisure]

Question, I have a mini Rex who is pregnant due any day now. First time mom. I can see her babies moving in her belly. Well about 2 1/2 weeks ago she pulled out 3 handfuls of fur, and hasn’t since. Is that normal?