Worried about my lionhead possibly getting ready for birth, 11 days pregnant.

Question
She was scratching at her cage early tmorning and all night. The. Started neating with her hay. So i put her nest box in since she seemed so stressed carrying around wods of hay. She built a nest all day long now is laying differently then she ever does. Her hind legs pushed up. As if in the breeding positiion i guess is the best way of describing it. Do you think she could go into labor tonight? Would the babies make it, have any chance at lall of survival at 11 days?

Answer
Hi Maggie,

If you are sure of the date of breeding there is no possible way that she would deliver viable babies.  There is a strong chance that she is having a false pregnancy.  I would keep the nest box in there with her but make sure it stays clean.  They tend to like to use it as a litter pan.  

How old is she?  Some older rabbits have a difficult time with delivery if they weren't bred when they were young.  Keep an eye out for signs of distress such as labored breathing, failure to produce fecal pellets and decrease in food intake.  You will also want to watch for a prolapsed uterus.  

It is my personal belief that she is having a false pregnancy.  It happens frequently in non spayed does.  You will want to keep the nesting box in with her for 35 days after the confirmed day of breeding.  If after 35 days there are no kits it is safe to remove the box.

I wish I could help you more.  Please let me know what happens.  If you do end up with a miscarriage don't get distressed.  In my opinion it is far better to lose the kits than the mom.

Out of curiosity are you at the national convention in Indianapolis?  We are here right now and I saw that you were from Indiana and was just curious.

If you need anymore help at all please let me know.

Pam

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