new rabbits

Question
Hi randy.

I recently bought two rabbits. A male and a female. I am not sure but i think the doe may be pregnant. I have tried to get as much information as i possibly can to prepare myself for if and when anything happens.

One thing I really want/need to know is roughly how long they are pregnant for. Could you help? I have tried to find this out and looked on a number of websites but have not found this yet.

I plan to get the male neutered while he is separated from mother and babies. How long should i leave the mother and babies together before i separate them and put the male back in with female mother?

Any help would be much appreciated

Thank you - Sarah

Answer
Hi Sarah,

Normal gestation period is somewhere around 30 days....give or take a day or two.  You will need to provide a nest box and nesting material....lots of hay will work.  You also need to make sure the doe has proper nutrition.  She will also need a private area to retreat to during the day.  Rabbit moms do not stay with their kits and visit them usually only once a day to nurse.  Do not attempt to force her to nurse more often as this will result in a stressed out mother.

Domestic rabbits should be with there mother for about 8 weeks for a fully successful wean.

You will have to "rebond" the mom and dad after he has been neutered.  They may fight if you just put them back together.  Rabbits are identified by their odor and the neuter will change the male's odor.

Randy