Signs of Rabbit Labor: What to Expect
Signs of Rabbit Pregnancy and Birth
1. Approaching Birth Signs
As the rabbit approaches the end of her pregnancy, around 4 days before giving birth, several signs become apparent. The rabbit's breasts will swell and begin to produce a small amount of milk. Her abdomen will appear more sunken, and her reproductive area will become red and swollen. During this time, the pregnant rabbit may eat very little, if at all. One to two days before labor, the rabbit will start to pull out her fur to create a nest, although many firsttime mothers may not do this on their own, necessitating the owner's assistance. This includes manually removing fur for the nest. The mother rabbit may also exhibit signs of discomfort and anxiety, along with digging behavior.
2. Preparing for Birth
Before the rabbit gives birth, the owner should move her to a more secluded and dark area where she will feel secure and more likely to deliver comfortably. The owner can place the rabbit in a slightly larger cage (a smaller one can lead to the crushing of kits) and line the bottom with soft material to ensure the cage is comfortable. It's best for the owner to wear gloves when handling the newborn kits to prevent bacterial infections. For the postpartum mother, feeding her soaked soybeans can help stimulate milk production, or she can be given a mixture of red sugar and warm water to replenish her nutrients.
3. Nutritional Support
From the moment the rabbit is confirmed pregnant, her feeding should be gradually increased to provide more nutrition. This includes feeding her a mix of concentrated feed, inorganic salt feed (such as soybean meal and soybean pulp), and forage (pasture grass, dried green hay). Essentially, the goal is to feed the pregnant rabbit more easily digestible and nutrientrich food. Additionally, supplements of vitamins can also be provided.
4. Management and Care
Since newborn kits are born without fur, it's crucial for the owner to maintain their body temperature within a safe range. This involves preparing a cozy and temperatureappropriate nest for the kits and placing them there after they have their first meal. It's essential that the kits consume their mother's milk promptly, as it is rich in nutrients and contains minerals vital for their growth. To ensure the kits receive ample milk, the mother rabbit must be wellnourished, and she should be fed more green forage.
Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips:
It's inevitable that newborn kits will experience some discomfort and physiological changes, which are all normal. The owner should not worry about these reactions and should focus on providing proper postpartum care and feeding to ensure the kits thrive!
