Effective Management Tips for Pregnant Rabbits
Care and Management Tips for Pregnant Rabbit Rearing
1. Ensure Adequate Nutrition for the Pregnant Rabbit. The health and nutrition of the mother rabbit during pregnancy, especially in the latter stages, significantly impact the normal development of the embryos, the rabbit's overall health, and her ability to lactate postpartum. Therefore, it is crucial to provide pregnant rabbits with optimal rearing conditions. A healthy and wellnourished mother rabbit will lead to healthier offspring. Feeding highnutrient value feed is essential for pregnant rabbits.
Especially during the latter stages of pregnancy, the quantity and quality of feed consumed by the mother rabbit greatly influence the fetus. The owner should promptly adjust the amount of highquality green feed, such as soybean meal and bone meal, which are rich in protein and minerals, as the pregnancy progresses. This should be gradually reduced to a moderate amount three days before the rabbit is due to give birth, while increasing the supply of fresh, green, and juicy feed.
2. Proper Care for the Pregnant Rabbit. During pregnancy, the owner must take precautions to prevent miscarriage. The mother rabbit is particularly susceptible to miscarriage between 15 to 20 days of pregnancy. Therefore, pet owners must pay close attention to the care of pregnant rabbits to prevent miscarriage. For instance, avoid handling the pregnant rabbit roughly. If handling is necessary, gently grasp the rabbit's neck with one hand and support the rabbit's rump with the other, ensuring a soft and gentle approach. Also, keep the rabbit's living environment quiet to avoid stress.
Approximately 15 days into the pregnancy, it is best to house the rabbit separately and maintain a dry environment. In winter, provide warm drinking water for the pregnant rabbit. For rabbits bred for fur, it is advisable to stop shearing and combing them during pregnancy to prevent any impact on the fetus's development.
3. Preparations for the Pregnant Rabbit's Labor. Approximately three days before the expected delivery, the owner should clean and disinfect the rabbit cage and birthing box to remove any foreign objects. This helps prevent the mother rabbit from being stressed during labor and reduces the risk of infection. After placing the disinfected birthing box in the cage, allow the mother rabbit to familiarize herself with the environment and encourage her to gather straw and fur to create a nest. Additionally, have someone on standby during labor to ensure the safety of both the mother and the offspring.
With these care and management tips for pregnant rabbits provided by Oxygen Pet Doctor, we hope that rabbit owners are looking forward to welcoming their new litter. However, to avoid any unforeseen incidents, it is essential to provide pregnant rabbits with excellent care and attention.
