False pregnancy

Question
My female bunny "Snoopy" started making a nest in her litter box 4 days ago. I know for sure she in not pregnant.  She is our only bunny and never has been around a male.  Through this website, I learned about false pregnancies.  I plan to get her spayed so she does not have to go through this again.  Plus it is heartbreaking for me to see her prepare for something that is not coming.

But my questions are:  How long does this false pregnancy behavior lasts (a week, month)?  What can I do for her in the meantime?

Thank you


Answer
Dear Casey,

Aw.  You're sweet to be concerned about her caring for her "ghost babies."  :)  She'll be fine in 2-3 days, and will probably stop tending the nest after that.  She'll be very cuddly for a few days after that, as she'll think she needs to be mated.  But once the false pregnancy cycle starts, it tends to continue.  So having her spayed is definitely best for her long term health.

You can read more here:

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

and find a good, experienced rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana