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pregnant rabbit information

22 10:56:13

Question
QUESTION: I think my rabbits pregnant shes pulling her fur out and making a bed out of it she was with a male in the garden and all the other times shes had babies they haven't survived how do I look after the babies and how do I no for  certain her pregnant write back please
ANSWER: Dear Gemma,

If your bunny was with a male, and it's been 28-31 days since then, *and* she's pulling her fur, then it's a good bet she's pregnant.  Here are some instructions on how to prepare for the event:

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

Note that a male can impregnate her again within minutes of her giving birth, so be sure she's kept away from any intact males for a full 8 weeks, until her babies are fully weaned.

Once all is over, she can be spayed:

www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

for her health and longevity, and no more surprises!

I hope this helps.

Dana

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

QUESTION: Ok thanks how do I treat my rabbit (Charlie is her name) and when the bunnys are born am I aloud to touch them or does this annoy their Mum ?

Answer
Dear Gemma,

You should be giving Charlie free-choice pellets and fresh hay while she is pregnant and nursing, and also be sure she has plenty of fresh, clean water available at all times.

The site I sent you before has all the best information for you to prepare for the bunnies:

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

Please read that, and you'll know exactly what to do for your bunny.

When the bunnies are born, leave them alone for the first couple of weeks, except to check that they are warm and active so you'll know mama is taking care of them.  This is all explained in the article above, too.  So it's *VERY* important for you to read that.

Once the babies start to come out of the nest on their own, you can begin to handle them--but always wash your hands very well with disinfectant soap first--and never hold them any higher than a couple of inches off a soft surface.  Baby bunnies are as unpredictable as popcorn, and a jump could result in a tragedy.  Even a fall from only a few inches onto a hard surface can be fatal.  So always be mindful of keeping them on a soft surface, and don't hold them high above it.  All should be well

Again, be sure to let the babies nurse their mother for a full eight weeks to ensure health and a good start in life.

Dana