Preparation Guide for a Rabbit's Pregnancy

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Preparation for the Litter: A Guide for Rabbit Owners

I. Preparing for the Birth

1. Prepare the Nesting Box: It's crucial to anticipate the upcoming birth by preparing a nesting box well in advance. Use the breeding records to estimate the due date, and ensure the box is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Line it with clean bedding, such as sanitized, soft straw or feathers. Always maintain cleanliness to prevent infections. Place the nesting box in the rabbit's living area 23 days before the expected birth date.

2. Create a Calm Environment: Keep the surroundings quiet and stressfree. Avoid handling the mother rabbit roughly to prevent miscarriage. Limit access to the rabbitry to only those necessary, and prevent any visits from uninvited guests or pets. This will help ensure the mother remains calm and the litter safe.

3. Nutritional Support: The mother rabbit's diet should be adjusted to support her during and after labor. Reduce the amount of concentrate feed three days before the birth and increase the quantity of tender green forage. Offer soaked soybeans to aid milk production. Postdelivery, provide easytodigest foods like soy milk or porridge, and ensure the mother has access to highquality mixed feed like carrots and sweet potatoes to prevent her from eating the kittens out of hunger.

4. Assist with Molt: Some firsttime mothers may not pull out their own fur for nesting. In such cases, gently remove a small amount of fur from the mother's chest and place it in the nesting box. This encourages milk production and provides a protective layer for the kittens.

II. Caring for the Postpartum Doe

1. Maintain a Clean and Comfortable Habitat: Keep the rabbitry clean, dry, wellventilated, and properly lit. Regularly disinfect the area to ensure the health of both mother and kits.

2. Avoid Harmful Foods: Refrain from feeding the mother rabbit frozen, toxic, or spoiled food.

3. Ensure Adequate Nutrition: Adjust the mother's diet based on her needs and observe her milk supply. If there's a deficiency, consider artificial milking techniques. Feed her a mix of concentrated feed and boiled soybeans, and supplement with herbs like dandelion and hawthorn leaves. Always provide clean water at a temperature close to the rabbit's body temperature.

4. Prevent Mastitis: Monitor the mother's milk production and adjust her diet accordingly. If the milk supply is excessive, consider measures to reduce it. Clean the teats daily with a warm cloth and, if necessary, disinfect them with veterinary iodine.

We hope this guide provides valuable insights into the care of pregnant and postpartum rabbits. Happy rabbit parenting!

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