How long is pregnancy in rabbits: what to feed

Because of the high fecundity of rabbits, many people believe that pregnancy is very easy for them and that it is not necessary to pay special attention to this issue. But this is not the case at all. These animals really produce offspring very quickly. But in order for rabbit breeding to benefit the breeders and not harm the health of the animals, it is necessary to approach all aspects of their life activities competently. Let’s figure out how long pregnancy lasts in rabbits, how to care for a pregnant rabbit and what to feed during this period.

Pregnancy is a particularly important time. If you take the necessary measures and properly care for rabbits in such a delicate period, you can influence fertility and eliminate the risk of receiving poor-quality offspring.

Peculiarities of the pregnancy period of rabbits

Pregnancy of rabbits, or gestation, is the most responsible stage after mating. It lasts about a month, and there are several nuances that must be taken into account in order to ensure a successful course of this period.

The following stages should be taken into account during the succession:

1. Mating date and the first weeks after it. In the first 14 days after mating, the conditions of keeping and feeding females practically do not change. It is recommended only to ensure that the rabbit does not overeat and does not gain excess weight.
2. After 2 weeks after mating, you can palpate the female to determine pregnancy. If pregnancy is confirmed, from the 15th day, the amount of hay and pelleted feed is gradually increased.
3. From the 21st to the 26th day, you should increase the amount of feeding the rabbit. Due to the pressure from the bunnies on the stomach, she will eat smaller portions, but more often. It is also possible that the rabbit will start “nesting” – scratching the bottom of the cage, carrying the litter and plucking the fur from itself.
4. From the 25th to the 29th day of pregnancy, it is recommended to transfer the rabbit to a cage with a queen or install a queen nest. You can use metal or wooden brood boxes, it is important that the nest is of sufficient size for the rabbit and there is room for litter. Before using the broodstock, it should be disinfected.
5. Rabbits are expected to be born on the 30th and 31st days. It is on these days that the happy moment of the birth of offspring in a rabbit comes. A female rabbit can give birth to up to 18 rabbits in one birth act.

It is important to take into account the hatching date and the number of rabbits in the litter. Newborn rabbits are born naked and blind, and have an average weight of about 60 grams. Don’t worry too much about their diminutive size, as within a month they gain almost 500 grams of weight and become covered in fur.

How to determine pregnancy in a rabbit

Methods of determination of sucrolity in rabbits

• Visual control: Involves observing changes in the rabbit’s behavior. The pregnant female becomes quiet, cautious and avoids contact with the male. Often she begins to “nest” – carry hay in her teeth and pinch the fluff from herself. She may also refuse the usual food, which may indicate the need for a change in diet. Increased drinking can also be a sign of pregnancy.
• Control of weight change: The weight of the rabbit can be measured before mating and in the first two weeks after the expected pregnancy. She usually gains about 200-400 grams during the first 14 days.
• Palpation of the animal: It is carried out ten days after mating (to avoid injury to the animal and babies in its womb). It is recommended that this process be carried out by an experienced farmer or veterinarian. During palpation, one hand holds the female’s ears and nape, and the other feels the sides of the animal. Pregnancy feels like small clusters, similar to grapes. The rabbit’s belly becomes dense, and the uterus is felt in the form of large horns.
• Ultrasound diagnostics: With the help of an ultrasound machine, it is possible to confirm the fact of pregnancy with a 100% guarantee from the sixth day after fertilization. However, this method requires transportation of animals to a veterinary clinic, so it is not practical for breeding large herds on a farm. It is also difficult to carry out ultrasound diagnostics at home.

How long is pregnancy in a rabbit?

The pregnancy period in rabbits usually lasts from 28 to 35 days. The exact duration depends on the breed, the size of the litter and the age of the female.

For example, pregnancy in giant rabbits lasts approximately 27-28 days, in California rabbits – 30-31 days, and representatives of decorative breeds – 30-32 days.

It is also important to note that the number of days of pregnancy may be related to the number of babies in the womb. Usually, if the rabbit has many fruits, she will give birth earlier.

It is also worth considering that rabbits that mate for the first time often give birth a little later than those that have already had several litters.

Caring for a pregnant rabbit

The main attention when caring for a pregnant rabbit should be paid to proper feeding and housing conditions. It is important to consider several aspects:

• Complete nutrition of a female sucrol. Pregnancy is a period when a rabbit needs a special diet. Food should be varied and balanced, with a sufficient content of vitamins, minerals and proteins. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian or specialist in the field of rabbit breeding to develop an appropriate diet.
• Clean and well-kept cage. Provide the rabbit with a comfortable and safe cage, which must be regularly cleaned of waste and dirt. Ensuring proper hygiene in the cage will contribute to the health and well-being of the rabbit and future offspring.

• Control of temperature, humidity and air cleanliness in the room where the rabbit is located. Provide comfortable conditions, avoid sudden changes in temperature or too high humidity, as this can negatively affect the health of the rabbit and babies.
• Prevention of irritation, stress and bright lighting. Provide a quiet and calm environment for the rabbit, avoid irritants and stressful situations. Bright lighting should also be avoided, as it can cause discomfort in a pregnant rabbit.
• Equipping the cage with a uterine compartment in time. Make sure that the rabbit has a properly equipped cage with a separate compartment for the birth and rearing of the young. This will ensure comfort and safety during labor.
• Do not disturb the female again unnecessarily. Avoid excessive worries and interventions in the pregnancy process, unless there is a serious problem or need. A rabbit needs peace and quiet during pregnancy, so allow her to rest and recuperate.

By following these recommendations, you will create comfortable conditions for the pregnant rabbit, which will contribute to her health and well-being, as well as the successful birth and upbringing of babies.

How to properly feed a pregnant rabbit

Proper nutrition of a pregnant rabbit is an important aspect that affects the development of healthy offspring. Here are some recommendations for feeding a pregnant female:

• Provide the rabbit with a sufficient amount of high-quality and high-calorie food, according to its needs during this period. This includes a mix of grains, hay, fresh vegetables and greens that contain important nutrients.
• In the second half of pregnancy, reduce the amount of silage and bulk feed in the diet, replacing them with carrots. Carrots will help meet the body’s needs for carotene, which is important for the health of the rabbit and future offspring.
• A few days before the expected birth, reduce the amount of food by half. This will help to avoid mastitis and too high acidity in the rabbit after giving birth. After the cycle, gradually increase the amount of food for two weeks, bringing it to the usual norm.
• In winter, feed the rabbit with sprouted grains and vitamins. Take into account the needs of the body, but avoid overfeeding and obesity of the animal.
• Rabbits that give birth for the first time are given a little more food (15-18%) compared to others, because their bodies are still growing and need additional nutrients.

Remember that each rabbit may have its own individual needs, so it is important to monitor its condition, health and respond to any changes in nutrition. Consult your veterinarian for additional advice and information on feeding a pregnant rabbit.

How a rabbit cage should be equipped before hatching

The cage for the pregnant rabbit should be placed in a place protected from drafts and noise. If the birth takes place in the summer, the house should be protected from light. The temperature in the cage should be between +33 and +35 degrees Celsius. In the cold season, it is recommended to insulate the house well.

Before giving birth, it is necessary to equip the cage for the rabbit with a uterine compartment, also known as a nest. This is the place where the rabbit nests and feeds its babies. The uterine compartment can be in the form of a portable box with an opening or a cage with a partition. The choice of construction depends on the rabbit hutch and its capabilities.

The main thing is that the nest meets certain rules:

• The dimensions of the maternity ward should be 10 centimeters larger than the length and width of the female.
• The nest must be clean and disinfected before use.
• The bottom of the nest can be covered with straw or sawdust to provide comfort for the rabbit and her babies.
• The uterine compartment should be installed on the 26th day of pregnancy so that the rabbit gets used to it and has the opportunity to arrange the nest as she wishes, collecting fluff and stacking hay in her own way.

These measures will ensure comfort and safety for the pregnant rabbit during childbirth and will help ensure optimal conditions for the development of the young.

Problems related to pregnancy

When breeding, rabbit breeders often face a number of problems that can occur during the pregnancy of rabbits.

Among the most common problems, the following can be distinguished:

• Mastitis is a bacterial infection of the animal’s mammary glands, which can occur due to insufficient hygiene or congenital defects of the glands. Symptoms: inflammation, swelling, redness of the nipples, high temperature, general fatigue. The development of cyanosis (blueing) of the glands is possible, which requires immediate veterinary care. It is very dangerous if contaminated milk gets into newborn rabbits, as it can lead to death.
• Toxicosis is an intoxication of the animal’s body that occurs during hormonal changes. Females of Polish, Danish and English breeds often suffer. It is assumed that this is due to insufficient intake of necessary nutrients in the diet. Symptoms: fatigue, weakness, reduced physical activity, sometimes seizures, loss of coordination of movements. It is worth remembering that toxicosis can quickly lead to the death of an animal, so it is necessary to immediately consult a veterinarian and start treatment.
• Eating newborn rabbits is a syndrome that rabbits often suffer from. Reasons: improper feeding and drinking, insufficient nutrition, stress, fright, intervention of outsiders in the nest. To prevent such problems, you should follow proper care and hygiene, as well as provide the rabbit with a proper diet and a calm environment during pregnancy.

Why does the rabbit not get pregnant

There are several reasons why rabbits may not become pregnant or stop pregnancy:

• Errors in care: Improper care and improper mating of rabbits can lead to infertility. Insufficient attention to the breeding process can cause missed mating or the wrong choice of partner.
• Stress: Excessive stress can affect a rabbit’s reproductive system, resulting in a reduced chance of pregnancy. Fear, moving, changing living conditions can cause stress.
• Inbreeding: Mating of related animals (inbreeding) can lead to reduced fertility and pregnancy in the rabbit. This is due to the increased risk of genetic defects and problems with the health of the offspring.
• Age and health: The age of the rabbit and the male can affect their reproductive capacity. Old age or certain diseases can shorten the breeding season.
• Underweight or overweight: Underweight or overweight a rabbit can affect its reproductive function. Insufficient or excessive nutrition can lead to disturbances in the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
• Feeding: Eating feed containing alkaloids can suppress oestrus and the full reproductive function of the rabbit.
• Atmospheric conditions: Extreme weather conditions, such as extreme cold or extreme heat, can affect the reproductive capacity of the rabbit and lead to a decrease in pregnancy.
• Other factors: Other possible causes may include too frequent matings, death of pups in the uterus, false pregnancies, miscarriages, excessive artificial stimulation of the flow by hormones and individual body characteristics.

In order to achieve a successful pregnancy, it is important to provide proper care for the rabbit, proper nutrition, a calm environment and proper mating. In case of problems with pregnancy, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian for diagnosis and consultation.

False pregnancy

False pregnancy in rabbits is a common phenomenon. It occurs as a result of a violation of progesterone metabolism, which directly affects the course of pregnancy. This phenomenon can happen only after sterile mating, when the egg does not connect with the sperm.

A false pregnancy lasts about two weeks and its exact diagnosis can only be established with the help of an ultrasound examination.

The main symptoms of false pregnancy in rabbits include:

• Behavioral changes: The rabbit behaves exactly the same as when there is a real pregnancy.
• Nesting: Near the end of the second week after the expected conception, the rabbit begins to build a nest, but does not give birth to young.
• Change in appetite: The rabbit consumes more food than usual.
• Enlarged nipples: The nipples swell and may even produce rabbit milk.
• Shedding: A rabbit may pull fur from its belly, as when building a nest.
• Changes in the genitals: The genital loop becomes swollen and may secrete mucus.

On about the 20th day, the symptoms of false pregnancy disappear, and the rabbit returns to its usual behavior.

How to cure a false pregnancy in a rabbit

Treatment of false pregnancy in a rabbit may include the following methods:

• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy can help reduce symptoms of false pregnancy. However, it is worth remembering that such treatment may not ensure the birth of high-quality and completely healthy offspring.
• Culling: In cases where the rabbit is not capable of a real pregnancy, it is culled for the purpose of breeding. This option is used if the purpose of keeping a rabbit is breeding itself.
• Sterilization of a rabbit: If the goal is to obtain high-quality skin or meat, you can perform sterilization (castration) of the female. This will allow the rabbit to quickly gain the necessary weight and improve the condition of the wool, as well as avoid problems in the genitourinary system.

It is important to consult a qualified veterinarian to determine the best approach to treating a false pregnancy in a rabbit. A comprehensive approach, taking into account the individual characteristics of the animal and professional consultation of a specialist will help to achieve the best results.

Blood in a cage in a rabbit

Many, especially novice rabbit breeders, are panicked by the discovery of blood in a rabbit’s cage. Most often, such secretions appear in the animal’s urine. There can be several reasons:

• Diet: An animal’s urine can become blood-orange when oversaturated with animal beta-carotene, which is found in significant quantities in carrots, fodder beets, peppers, tomatoes, lettuce and spinach, as well as conifers. If you exclude or limit these products in the diet, then within a few days the urine will regain its normal color, and you should not panic.
• Lack of water: Urine can become reddish in the state of dehydration on hot days, as well as in case of heat stroke. At such moments, it is especially important to provide the rabbit with a sufficient amount of water in the drinker and monitor its well-being.
• Stress: Rabbits are very timid animals, and any stressful situation can cause hormones to be released in the body, which can affect the color of the discharge.
• Taking antibiotics: When treating a rabbit with antibiotics, red urine can be a signal that its body is significantly weakened. In this case, it is necessary to consult a veterinarian, but you should not worry too much, because after treatment everything should return to normal.

More serious complications, accompanied by not just a change in the color of urine, but the presence of blood clots, can include:

• Uterine cancer: There is a risk of uterine cancer in unneutered rabbits. Treatment may include surgical removal of the tumor or culling of diseased individuals.
• Spontaneous miscarriage.
• Infection of the genitourinary system of a rabbit.

Only a veterinarian can determine the exact cause. If blood is detected in the rabbit’s cage, it is recommended to consult a specialist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Signs of the beginning of the cycle

Signs of the onset of molting in a rabbit may include:

• Change in behavior: The rabbit can become noticeably calmer or, on the contrary, very aggressive. This may be due to increased discomfort and tension before childbirth.
• Increased appetite: A rabbit may show an increased interest in food before giving birth. She may eat more than usual, but this may change during the birth itself.
• Increased water intake: Before giving birth, the rabbit may drink more water to hydrate itself and prepare the body for the important birthing process.
• Nest building: The rabbit actively arranges the nest before giving birth. She can collect straw, hay or other materials to create a comfortable place for the birth of babies. It is important to give her the opportunity to do this and to provide a sufficient amount of materials for the nest.

It is important to consider that these signs may vary depending on the rabbit and its individual characteristics. It is best to observe the rabbit and give it care and support during the birth.

What to feed before weaning

The recommended composition of the diet before eating (daily norm):

• Sunflower cake: 30-50 grams. Mukha provides the necessary level of protein and fats in the diet.
• Compound feed, peas, beans and grains of other legumes, oats: 80-100 grams. These ingredients contain important nutrients, including carbohydrates and protein.
• Soy meal: 25-30 grams. Soybean meal is also a source of protein and other useful substances.
• Boiled potatoes: about 100 grams. Potatoes are a source of energy and additional nutrients.
• Hay (in winter) or grass (in summer): 150-200 grams in winter or 550-700 grams in summer. Hay and grass are important for meeting the rabbit’s need for roughage and maintaining the normal functioning of the digestive system.
• Carrot: 150 grams. Carrots contain vitamins and minerals that are good for the rabbit and her future babies.
• Bone meal or chalk: 1-2 grams. These sources of calcium are important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth.
• Salt: 1-2 grams. Salt contains minerals that contribute to the proper functioning of the body.
• Crushed eggshell: 1-2 grams. Eggshell is a source of calcium and other minerals that contribute to the health of the rabbit.
• Fish oil: 2 grams. Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the rabbit’s health.

In winter, you can add special vitamin and mineral complexes, as well as sprouted wheat or oats as sources of additional nutrients.

It is also important to carefully monitor the availability of water in the drinker before feeding, as hydration needs increase.