rabbit had one baby and it died

Question
we are concerned about our rabbit she has had a baby and we didn't know she was pregnant . she is 7 months old and only had one baby and we found it dead covered in her fur and saw dust. we have removed dead baby cleaned her hutch but she keeps digging to find it is there anything we can do for her to cheer her up.  is it normal for her to have one baby?  many thanks  natalie  

Answer
Dear Natalie,

A bunny having a first litter may not have more than one.  If she is eating normally and acting well, then she's probably fine.  But if you are in doubt, then a check up by a good rabbit vet will put your mind at ease:

www.rabbit.org/vets

If she is in the company of a male rabbit, she is pregnant again, and you need to have her spayed ASAP.  Please see:

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

and

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

Once she's spayed, setting up some "blind dates" with eligible neutered males at your local foster home:

www.rabbit.org/chapters

will cheer her up.  But she will recover from her pregnancy soon.  Just give her lots of love and attention, and keep a close eye on her eating habits, to be sure she's feeling all right physically.

Hope this helps.

Dana