Signs That a Rabbit is Pregnant

Being able to spot a pregnant rabbit is a very difficult task. Many rabbits hide their pregnancies quite well, and even vets who are experienced with rabbits may misdiagnose a pregnancy. However, there are some signs that an owner of a female rabbit can look for that may give a clear sign that she's going to have a litter.

Nesting

If a female rabbit begins nesting, then chances are good she's expecting a litter. Finding well hidden places, or building up one corner of the cage is a definite sign. However, some rabbits may start nesting as little as one day before giving birth, so nesting doesn't provide much warning.

Advances

Another thing that should make an owner suspect that their rabbit is pregnant is that she will reject advances from a male rabbit. Rabbits are, generally speaking, always open to breeding. Except of course when they're pregnant.

Maturity

Rabbits become sexually mature between 6 and 9 months. If you're absolutely certain that your rabbit is too young to become pregnant than there may be another factor at work.

Aggression

Some female rabbits, though not all, will display more aggression when they're pregnant. However, this is one of the only behavioral changes that a person will likely notice. Female rabbits have been known to jump, run, play, and act normally almost up until they give birth.

Gestation

A female rabbit's pregnancy usually lasts about 31 days. By the 21st day of a rabbit's pregnancy the owner should be able to feel the fetuses through the rabbit's stomach, like small marbles. If your rabbit has been behaving oddly, but you know she's been away from any males for longer than 31 days, chances are she isn't pregnant.

References

• About Pregnant Rabbits