What Happens During a Rabbit’s Delivery Process

🤰 Recognizing Rabbit Pregnancy

Before understanding the delivery process, it’s important to confirm that your rabbit is indeed pregnant. Rabbits can experience false pregnancies, which mimic the signs of a real pregnancy, so observation is key.

Signs of Pregnancy

• Nest Building: The most obvious sign is the doe building a nest, usually starting a few days before the expected delivery date. She will use hay, fur pulled from her own body, and other soft materials to create a warm and secure environment.
• Weight Gain: A pregnant doe will gradually gain weight, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. This weight gain is due to the developing kits.
• Increased Appetite: Pregnant does often eat more to support the growth of their kits.
• Changes in Behavior: Some does become more affectionate, while others may become more withdrawn or even aggressive.
• Palpation: A veterinarian can usually palpate (feel) the developing kits in the doe’s abdomen around 10-14 days after mating. However, this should only be done by a professional to avoid harming the doe or the kits.

🗓️ Preparing for Kindling

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful kindling. Ensuring the doe has a safe, comfortable, and stress-free environment will significantly improve the outcome.

Creating a Suitable Nesting Environment

• Provide a Nest Box: Offer a clean, spacious nest box filled with fresh hay. The doe will use this as a foundation for her nest. A cardboard box, plastic tub, or commercially available nest box can be used.
• Offer Nesting Materials: Provide plenty of soft hay, shredded paper, or straw for the doe to use in building her nest. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can be harmful to rabbits.
• Ensure a Quiet and Dark Environment: Place the nest box in a quiet, dark corner of the cage to minimize stress and disturbance.
• Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean the cage and nest box to prevent the buildup of bacteria and parasites.

Timing and Monitoring

• Gestation Period: The gestation period for rabbits is typically 31-33 days. Keep track of the mating date to anticipate the delivery.
• Monitor the Doe’s Behavior: Observe the doe closely for signs of impending labor, such as increased nest building activity, restlessness, and decreased appetite.

⏰ The Delivery Process: What to Expect

The actual delivery process, or kindling, usually occurs quickly and often at night or early in the morning. It’s best to observe from a distance and avoid interfering unless absolutely necessary.

Stages of Labor

1. Early Labor: The doe may become restless, pant, and exhibit contractions. She may also start pulling out fur from her abdomen and dewlap to line the nest.
2. Active Labor: The doe will begin to strain and push to deliver the kits. Each kit is usually born within a few minutes of each other.
3. Expulsion of Placenta: After each kit is born, the doe will expel the placenta. She may eat the placentas, which is normal behavior and provides her with nutrients.
4. Post-Partum Care: After delivering all the kits, the doe will clean them and allow them to nurse.

Potential Complications

• Dystocia (Difficult Labor): This is rare in rabbits but can occur if a kit is too large or positioned incorrectly. Signs of dystocia include prolonged straining without producing a kit, signs of pain, and lethargy. Veterinary intervention is necessary in these cases.
• Stillbirth: Unfortunately, some kits may be stillborn. The doe will usually remove them from the nest.
• Rejection of Kits: Sometimes, a doe may reject her kits, refusing to nurse or care for them. This can be due to stress, inexperience, or illness.

🍼 Caring for Newborn Kits

Proper care of newborn kits is crucial for their survival. Monitor them closely and provide support as needed.

Immediate Post-Natal Care

• Check the Kits: Ensure that all kits are alive, warm, and appear healthy. They should be plump and have pink skin.
• Ensure Nursing: Observe the kits to make sure they are nursing. Newborn kits typically nurse once or twice a day, usually in the early morning.
• Maintain Warmth: If the nest is inadequate or the doe is not providing enough warmth, you may need to supplement with a heat lamp or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel placed near the nest.

Ongoing Care

• Monitor Weight Gain: Weigh the kits daily to ensure they are gaining weight. A healthy kit will gain a few grams each day.
• Observe for Signs of Illness: Watch for signs of illness, such as lethargy, failure to nurse, diarrhea, or respiratory problems. Consult a veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.
• Avoid Disturbing the Nest: Minimize disturbance to the nest and the doe to reduce stress. Only handle the kits when necessary, and always wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling them.
• Weaning: Kits typically begin to nibble on solid food around 3-4 weeks of age and are fully weaned by 6-8 weeks.

🩺 When to Seek Veterinary Care

While most rabbit deliveries proceed without complications, it’s essential to know when to seek veterinary care.

Signs of a Problem

• Prolonged Labor: If the doe is straining for more than 30 minutes without producing a kit, she may be experiencing dystocia and needs immediate veterinary attention.
• Lethargy or Weakness: If the doe is lethargic, weak, or shows signs of pain, she may have a serious complication.
• Rejection of Kits: If the doe consistently rejects her kits and refuses to nurse them, consult a veterinarian for advice.
• Illness in Kits: If any of the kits show signs of illness, such as diarrhea, respiratory problems, or failure to thrive, seek veterinary care promptly.