mini lop first litter

Question
i have two minature lop bunnies. the female just had her first baby with out my knowing she was pregnant. she made no nest and the baby did not live they are still togther. could she be expecting more and is she ok. is normal to have one and could the boy have killed it.

Answer
Dear Tami,

First babies are often stillborn, and it is very unlikely that the male killed the baby.  If either parent harms the babies, it's more likely to be the female, who may overgroom them by accident, but not out of viciousness.

Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/breeding.html

and

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/surpriselitter.html

If they are together, she is likely pregnant again, but it may still be early enough to have her spayed.  Please find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

who can advise you about this, and schedule the boy's neuter so that he can safely stay with his mate, no matter what you decide.

I hope this helps.

Dana