I am starting to worry about my bunny

Question
hi my name is anthony,

I mated my doe on the 13th of last month and am very concerned as to whether she is pregnant or not i was out checking on her just last night and she was tearing fur out. I know this is what she is meant to do but she has still not given birth. When i put her to the male i left her in for a day and then took her out she is showing all the signs she is pregnant but i dont know what to do she was by my estimation meant to be due on the 13th. Like i said she has pulled out loads of fur and her mood has changed but she is way over due. Could it be that the male did not get her pregnant? I also am having problems placing a nest box in her hutch as she keeps trying to shove it out when i am putting it in and i am afraid to move her in case i damage the babies what do i do please help i am very concerned about my rabbit and this is the first time i have had to look after a pregnant bunny. Thank you very much  

Answer
Dear Anthony,

Rabbit gestation is usually 28-31 days, so she's still pretty much on schedule.  If you see her lying still and panting heavily, and she doesn't deliver anything for 8-12 hours, then it would be time to get her to a good rabbit vet for examination and possible help with the delivery.  You can find one here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Note that you MUST keep the male separate from her now, and for the duration of her nursing and weaning the babies.  Rabbits are induced ovulators, and he can get her pregnant again within minutes of her giving birth.  I don't have to tell you that this is bad for both mama and babies, since the babies need to be nursed for a full *eight weeks* before they are weaned.  DO NOT be tempted to wean them sooner, even if they are eating solid food.

For complete information on how to prepare mama and her space for a peaceful, safe birth, please see:

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

And then please read this VERY important article, so you'll know what to do next:

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

I hope this helps, and that she'll be just fine.

Dana