Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > double pregnancy

double pregnancy

22 10:27:26

Question
hi, my dwarf rabbit had her first litter, 4 babbies 2-3 days ago, last night  i was not sure that she was feeding them so i left her until this morning before i did anything, when i checked this morning they were all dead.
now i think she may still be pregnant with a double pregnancy.
i have never had a double pregnancy before and was wondering if they will be ok and if they are will there be more chance of her looking after this lot?
(the first litter she did pull hair and i think attempted to make a nest but they were born scattered about the bottom of the hutch)

Answer
Hello Katie!
I am sorry for your loss.
I have been raising rabbits for many many years and have never had a rabbit experience a double pregnancy first of all when i breed a rabbit I do it all in a 24 hr period and never try again. This may be why my rabbits cannot get pregnant twice in multiple days.
I have had a doe give birth over 2 days but they did not survive she had 6 and they were all very big  for thier breed. I do not think she will have any more babies unless you left the doe in with the buck for a week or two or if they lived together for a while  either way that mating practice is not reccomended. keep a eye on her and if by some chance she has more hopefully she wil take care if them.
Good luck Dan