Rabbit Labkr signs

[carly1]

Hey y’all, my rabbit is actually due tonight, she has not started pulling fur or even really started a nest in her nest box. The most she’s done is kind of dug a little bit of a area out of the box and took a little bit of hay in there but that’s it. She is definitely pregnant because I felt the babies heads and I felt them kick. I was just wondering if there were any other signs that she may give birth soon. Will her breathing change? Her vulva is red and kind of swollen. Just wondering if it’s going to happen soon. I’m super excited. This is her first time having kits with me but she did have previous litters with the lady I got her from. also wondering if anyone knows the odds on the babies having lop ears. Moms a pedigreed Mini lop. Dads a Mini Rex.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally they like to be left alone, and will build the nest right before giving birth.

My mini lop lionhead crosses only had one with slightly loped ears, so from my crosses I would say odd are low for lop ears, but they may be slightly floppy.

 

[cassie]

The does need quiet and to be left alone at kindling time.

 

[carly1]

Thanks I guess. That didn’t really answer my question though.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thanks I guess. That didn’t really answer my question though.

I assume she didn't have them yet? Mine generally stop eating a day or two before, otherwise there isn't many signs. I personally don't mess with a very pregnant mom to check her out more. If a doe gets too stressed it may have troubles, so it's best to wait and watch. Signs that things aren't going right would be lots of blood, kids hanging out, lots of straining with no progress, stuff like that.

 

[cassie]

I know you are excited and eagerly awaiting the new arrivals. However, I don't know anyone who raises rabbits who hovers over their expectant does. They mark the breeding date so they know about when the kits are due. They make sure the nest box is ready, and beyond that they leave the doe alone. Rabbits are a prey animal. As such they feel vulnerable if they are watched and poked and prodded during this time. That stresses the doe out. Stressed does may neglect their litters or even kill and eat them. Mine usually kindled in the middle of the night. There would be a pile of fur gently moving in the nest box and I knew there were new babies when I went in the rabbitry in the morning. I would distract the mother by giving her a treat like a piece of apple or something and then gently move the fur aside so I could count the babies and perhaps remove any dead ones.

 

[mike1970]

fully agree the few times one of my does had a kits I did pretty much the same