Things You'll Need:
- 1 Rabbit Doe
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Step 1
Rabbit expecting food testThe first test to determine if your rabbit is expecting:
Food Intake:
Does will usually increase their feed intake about two weeks before they deliver if they have successfully been bred. This is to allow her body to not only supply the necessary protein for her but also her soon to arrive kits! This method is not 100% accurate as not all does will have a noticeable increase in their appetite. -
Step 2
The second test to determine if your rabbit is expecting:
Increased Abdominal Size:
Generally your doe will begin to show in her abdominal area. This also is not 100% accurate as not all does have large litters or large kits. If you have a doe that only has a few babies and they are small you may not notice a difference, however a doe that has several kits or larger kits will show quite a bit. -
Step 3
Rabbit expecting hay testThe third test to determine if your rabbit is expecting:
Hay Test:
After the 28th day, after you place a nesting box inside your does cage you can place a pile of hay inside the cage with your doe and see what happens! If you doe is expecting she will begin building a nest for her soon to arrive kits! This is a very accurate test however it can still give a false reading if your doe is in the habit of building a nest. Also this is only accurate with in a few days before kindling occurs. -
Step 4
The fourth test to determine if your rabbit is expecting:
Attitude / Growling Test:
If your doe completely changes her attitude toward you she may be expecting. Does that change their attitude can be very dangerous to people and other rabbits but they are just trying to protect their babies! -
Step 5
Rabbit expecting re mating testThe fifth test to determine if your rabbit is expecting:
Re-Mating:
Basically you will try to remate your doe by returning her to your bucks cage. If she is already expecting she will most usually growl and run away from the buck This is done usually 15 days after the first mating session. This is not very accurate as sometimes the doe will allow a buck to remate even when she is expecting or she may reject the doe even though she is not expecting. This can also be very dangerous to both of your rabbits and yourself if your rabbits begin to fight with each other. -
Step 6
The sixth test to determine if your rabbit is expecting:
Palpation:
This is the most common method to tell if your rabbit is expecting!
You will Palpate your doe 11-14 days after breeding. To Palpate you will lay your rabbit on her back with her head toward you. Place your hand across her abdomen with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other. Gently press your fingers together just until you can feel them through her fur. Now continue feeling around until you locate a pea sized lump. This is your unborn kit!
** It is very important to use extreme care while trying to do this as you could harm the unborn kits if you are not careful!
** This is the most accurate way to tell if your rabbit is expecting once you have done it a few times! -
Step 7
Rabbit expecting babiesThe last and most accurate way to tell if your rabbit is expecting WAIT UNTIL SHE KINDLES! This is the most accurate test there is!
Comments
ourlastchance said
on 5/15/2009 Thanks for the comment!
iluvmybunny said
on 5/12/2009 thanx ya