If you’re wondering how to tell if a rabbit is pregnant, the gestation period is short, usually just a month. However, some rabbits are early nesters, and will begin pulling their fur as soon as week two. While it’s unlikely that your bunny is pregnant, if you notice any of these signs, you should see your vet. A pregnancy test is a must before you attempt to breed your rabbit.
Usually, pregnant rabbits show only a few symptoms during their first couple of weeks of pregnancy, but will display more signs as the pregnancy progresses. Watching your rabbit and paying attention to their body language will help you spot this early. If your rabbit’s behavior is unusual or aggressive, you should bring her to a veterinarian immediately, since vets are trained to recognize pregnancy quickly. You can also check your rabbit’s urine for signs of pregnancy.
Another way to tell if your rabbit is pregnant is to check her appetite. Although rabbits don’t gain much weight, it is noticeable towards the end of pregnancy. In addition, your bunny will start building its own kindling nest with its own fur. The more rabbits she has, the more likely she is to become pregnant. Once you know this, you can start giving her baby rabbit treats and see how she responds.
The most common way to tell if your rabbit is pregnant is to palpate the belly. Fortunately, a rabbit is not huge when it is just two weeks old, so you can use your hands to feel underneath the abdomen and flank area. If your rabbit does feel fecal matter, it’s time to get her checked out by a veterinarian. Otherwise, she will give birth after the pregnancy period has ended.
It’s important to remember that a pregnant rabbit requires more water than normal. Make sure you give her plenty of fresh water and keep it close by. Rabbits will nest in their homes and use bits of grass and their own fur to build nests. If you’re unsure, give her a larger cage with more space. Paper and straw will also aid the nesting process. The nesting process is crucial to a rabbit’s well-being.
Generally, a female rabbit will spend very little time in the nest box during her first week, but she will spend about five to 30 minutes in it during her last two weeks. The mother will face the rear of the nest box while giving birth. In the first few weeks, she will appear grumpy, but she can give birth at any time during the fourth week. So, be sure to check on her often.
If you suspect that your rabbit is pregnant, the first thing you should do is make sure she is sexually mature. If she is intact, she can have a litter of one to 12 babies a year. If her last few days are longer than that, it’s likely a false pregnancy. The baby may even die. If your rabbit is not neutered, the chances are good that she’s already a mother.
