Signs of a Rabbit Pregnancy: What to Look For
Identifying Pregnancy in Female Rabbits
1. Using a Male Rabbit for Confirmation: To determine if a female rabbit is pregnant, you can introduce her to a male rabbit after 4 days of mating. If the female emits a咕咕咕咕 (cooing) sound and resists the male's advances, she may be pregnant. This is a relatively straightforward method, though it's not entirely accurate, so it should be supplemented with other checks.
2. Feeling for Pregnancy: Around 4 to 5 days postmating, if the female rabbit coos when approached or touched, she might be pregnant. However, this observation should be combined with her usual behavior to make a more accurate assessment.
3. Observing Nesting Behavior: Typically, 6 to 7 days after mating, a pregnant rabbit will begin to gather straw from the cage and push it to one side. This is a common sign of pregnancy, though it can also occur in false pregnancies, so careful observation is required.
4. Noticing Digging for a Nest: Approximately 7 days after mating, if the rabbit is pregnant, she may frequently exhibit nesting behaviors, such as digging for a burrow. This can be a clue to her pregnancy status.
5. Monitoring Intake: Around 9 days after mating, if the rabbit is pregnant, her appetite and water intake will gradually increase, and this will continue as the fetus grows.
6. Inspecting Fur Condition: Around the 10th day of pregnancy, the rabbit's fur will become more lustrous and may start to loosen at the roots, making it easier for her to pull out for the nest. Additionally, the mammary glands will begin to produce a small amount of milk.
7. Examining the Vulva: About 7 days postmating, if the vulva appears cherryred and slightly swollen, the rabbit is likely pregnant. If she is in heat, she will not show this sign. This observation can be combined with the nesting and digging behaviors.
8. Observing Physical Changes: Generally, as the pregnancy progresses, by the 20th day, the female rabbit's rear abdomen will become visibly larger, and her weight will increase significantly.
Important Considerations for Pregnant Female Rabbits
1. Preventing Abortions: After pregnancy, it's best to keep the pregnant rabbit in a separate enclosure and avoid handling her as much as possible. If handling is necessary, do so gently.
2. Ensuring Proper Nutrition: During pregnancy, especially in the latter stages, the rabbit needs a wellbalanced diet rich in protein, minerals, and vitamins. Provide her with a mix of highquality feed and fresh, green, and juicy foods to ensure she receives adequate nutrition.
Dr. OxygenPet's guide to recognizing the signs of pregnancy in female rabbits is intended to be helpful to all rabbit owners.
