prgenant doe

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

My doe is pregnant and is due any day now.
When I checked on her today I noticed an oval shaped, flesh colored, sticky ball sitting with some of her droppings. Could this have come from my bunny and if so what is it? I have been told by friends that it could have been a 'plug' from her water breaking,

I am very confused.

Thanks,
Kirsty.


ANSWER: Dear Kirsty,

Without seeing it, I can't tell what it is.  I've not heard of a "plug" from water breaking, but it could be some preliminary birth matter, and birth will soon ensue.  It also might be a fetus that is not fully formed.  The only way to know is to pull it out and have a really close look to see if you can identify any recognizable features.

Please also read:

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

Hope that will help.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for such a quick answer Dana!

I had a second look at the ball last night and it had shriveled, went hard and changed into a very deep red color. I have removed the ball from the box now, just incase it distressed my bunny having it there. I think it may have been mater because in no way did it look formed...

Also can i expect after birth and if so does she clean that herself?

Thanks again!


Answer
Dear Kirsty,

If all goes well, mama bunny should eat all the placenta and birth remnants after the babies are born.  I just hope what you found wasn't the last bit of a baby rabbit that she gave birth to and overgroomed to the point of eating it along with the placenta.

Please read:

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

and especially:

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

Dana