Signs of Estrus in Does and Bucks: A Comparison

What are the Characteristics of Estrous in Does and Bucks?

When rabbits are in estrus, they often exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite and mood swings. The most distinctive signs of estrus in males include behaviors like urinating everywhere, biting at the cage at night, and stamping their hind legs forcefully. In females, the most prominent signs are rubbing their chins against the food bowl and cage door, and sometimes even biting off their own fur or carrying straw to make a nest. Here are the specific characteristics of estrus in does and bucks:

1. Characteristics of Estrus in Does

1.1. Physical Changes

During estrus, the vulva of the female rabbit may change from its usual pink color to a darker red and become swollen. The smell of her urine may also become stronger, and there may be more calcium deposits. In some cases, the female rabbit may even sit in her urine, making herself smell quite unpleasant.

1.2. Behavioral Changes

The female rabbit may experience a decrease in appetite and become restless during estrus. She may sniff around her territory and dig holes, and her territorial instincts may increase. If the owner reaches into the cage during estrus, the rabbit may make a "puff" sound, adopt an aggressive posture, or even attack the owner by biting or using her front paws to strike.

Some female rabbits may also exhibit false pregnancy symptoms, such as pulling fur to make a nest and engorged mammary glands. They often assume a posture with their buttocks raised and reproductive organs exposed, which is a sign of readiness for mating.

2. Characteristics of Estrus in Bucks

2.1. Physical Changes

During estrus, the male rabbit's appearance does not change significantly, but the most noticeable change is the exposure of the reproductive organs.

2.2. Behavioral Changes

The male rabbit may circle around his chosen rabbit, person, or object, sometimes mounting items and twitching his buttocks in an attempt to mate. When mounting, the male may hold onto the object with his mouth to stabilize himself and prevent it from slipping away. If he is mounting a female rabbit, he may bite the flesh above her neck, and if he is mounting a human, he may bite the rabbit's lower leg.

These are the estrus behaviors of does and bucks summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor. It's relatively easy to notice when rabbits are in estrus, but it can still cause a lot of trouble for owners. You can learn how to deal with rabbit estrus by following Oxygen Pet Doctor's advice.