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I think my doe is pregnant

22 10:53:53

Question
I have so many questions!!

1) I have a small stuffed animal in the cage and my doe is nibbling on it and taking it places, what does this mean?

2) When I put my hand in the cage she either runs away or attacks it (grunting).. why?

3) Why is she digging ( A LOT!!!!) and throwing things around (litter box, her little wooden house etc.) ?

4) Why is she eating a lot more?

5) Why does she seem agitated?

6) Why is she biting the edge of the cage?

7) Can I let her run around outside of the cage?

8) Why does she spend a long time digging in one place and then lays there?

9) When I feel her stomach her teats are bigger... why?

           Thank you, please also tell me some helpful advice on taking care of the kits and the pregnant doe...

Answer
1) I have a small stuffed animal in the cage and my doe is nibbling on it and taking it places, what does this mean?

A) It could be as simple as she likes to play with it.

2) When I put my hand in the cage she either runs away or attacks it (grunting).. why?

A) It sounds like she is experiencing aggression from hormones. This is very common in unspayed females.

3) Why is she digging ( A LOT!!!!) and throwing things around (litter box, her little wooden house etc.) ?

A) Rabbits love to dig and toss things around. It is very fun for them to do so. Some of the best-loved toys for rabbits are ones that let them do just those things.

4) Why is she eating a lot more?

A) Rabbits will often eat as much as you let them. If you are feeding pellets, they need to be limited to prevent her from getting too fat.

5) Why does she seem agitated?

A) Without more of an explaination as to what you mean by her being agitated, I cannot answer this.

6) Why is she biting the edge of the cage?

A) This is also very common for rabbits to do. Many of them do it out of boredom or because they want out of the cage. Some pick this habit up, and even once you change their environment and routine so they are no longer bored, they may continue to do it.

7) Can I let her run around outside of the cage?

A) Most definitely. Rabbits should not spend all day in their cage. They love to be out and play. If you have her outside, make sure you are watching her though. Keep her on a harness and leash or in a protected run, and keep an eye on her.

8) Why does she spend a long time digging in one place and then lays there?

A) She is making a nest for herself. In the wild, rabbits did out a spot in the ground and then will rest in it. Of course, they also make long burrows. Digging is programmed into a rabbit's instincts.

9) When I feel her stomach her teats are bigger... why?

A) Female rabbits actually do not start producing milk until they have given birth to their litter. It sounds like your rabbit may just be becoming sexually mature. Is she around 4-7 months of age? This is usually the time period when females start hitting sexual maturity. They often become more active, more aggressive, etc. just as you described.

However, if she has been around an unneutered male, you do have to keep in mind that there is a good chance she could be pregnant.