baby rabbit-is it pregnant?

Question
im not sure how old a rabbit has to be before it can conceive???
we brought a baby rabbit two weeks ago started off calm and quiet has now become a bit fierce but just put that down to settling in. we dont know the sex? (was mixed with siblings)but has gone from a skinny little thing to still small but with a big belly????

Answer
Dear Mandy,

Females usually can't conceive before the age of about five months, but it's not impossible for them to become pregnant earlier in some cases.  A baby rabbit will sometimes seem to have a big belly compared to its body, but if it seems inordinately large, get her to a good rabbit vet:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can do a full wellness check and tell you where you stand with her.

If she's an alpha bun and showing aggression, here are some good articles that will help you win her trust and love:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/aggression.html

But once she's old enough, spaying is essential to keep her calm and not aggressive.  Another reason is that unspayed females have a very high risk of uterine cancer.  So discuss that with the vet when you take her, and you'll be prepared for whatever comes in the future.

Hope this helps.

Dana