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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.
› Forum › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › possible pregnancy…
First, this was NOT intentional. That being said, Annie is showing symptoms of pregnancy. When we brought her and Potus home, we were assured Potus was a girl. Well, on that info, we let them roam the living room while we made their cage areas. Eventually, they came across each other and Potus mounted her. We split them up right away and kept them apaart after that, just thinking it was a dominance thing. But we decided to double check….sure enough, Potus was a he.
That was 24 days ago. Annie has been digging her cage to pieces for almost 2 weeks. Today, she started her nest with hay. She looks like she has gained a little weight, but so has Potus, so I figure it’s more diet than anything. It would explain her aggression, especially when it’s more toward me and not my husband lol.
My question is…isn’t 24 days a bit early to begin her nest? I’m hoping it’s just a false pregancy. Hazel went through this. Ugh. As if things weren’t crazy enough here. Lol
BM — and I think you recently posted that you all were at capacity spacewise?! Probably won’t help but here’s some vibes! {{{{FALSE PREGNANCY}}}}
Timing isn’t that far off the norm. Also since the person you got them from thought they were both female they may have had access to eachother before you brought them home.
Sorry.
Lol thanks JR. she has taken a break from nesting and is relaxing now. Maybe I’m paranoid, but she seems to be a little uncomfortable. Meh. But if it’s only 24 days, I wonder if maybe she, was already pregnant? Who knows. Funny, though, we we have had 1 real pregnancy and 1 false. Annie has built the nicest nest so far.
It’s exactly about the time they start to nest… Gestation is only 28 days. They may have several goes at it before they are entirely pleased with location and composition. When Pepper had one of her two oopsies she managed to pull everything into it including the cat toys.
Yeah, she has put some of her toilet paper tube in it. From my perspective, at this point it looks like she is assessing the location, has her building material (hay) all spread out and is plotting her next move. Nesting must be tiring, because she takes a lot of breaks. She looks kind of uncomfortable laying down, like a woman does when she’s near labor. We fellt her tummy and felt some moving/kicking. I feel pretty sure it’s legit.
Oh Dear….. You can PM me when the blessed event occurs if you need back up. I know it’s hard to control the topic once fuzzy wuzzy bun babies become a reality and everybody wants to see them and talk about them (which is of course not appropriate for the community)
I’d treat her like she’s pregnant and pray she isn’t! It’s easy to see signs if your like me-I was worried my first rabbit was going to give birth for months once I ready the symptoms-just anxious and you see things! So sending false pregnancy vibes!!
But maybe move the male rabbit’s cage away or her cage away, so she can have quiet, give her loads of food and rest, and bedding material-another option is to see a vet asap for an emergency spay-not sure how old she is-or if this may be too far along if she is carrying.
I agree that it’s best to PM Roberta.
(((((((Many false pregnancy or safety vibes)))))))
I love how you can look at the bright side of an unexpected pregnancy and admire what a nice nest she is building. I would definitely be all about Roberta.
Thanks Roberta! I will definitely be hitting you up with questions lol
Not much more progress on the nest overnight. Although she did add one of her toys. It’s kind of like she is having builders block and can’t decide what’s next. She’s doing a. Good job though.
Well, the urgency seems to have died down A little bit. She still just looks….uncomrfotable and round. Is it normal to slow down on the nesting for a bit?
I’m just curious and know nothing about bunny pregnancies and nest building other than what others have said. Is she protective of the nest (doesn’t want you messing with it)?
Yes. It just so happened yesterday was cage cleaning day, but she spazzed out when I tried cleaning around the nest. She grunts at the cats and runs back and forth when they walk by. She did let my husband check her tummy last night.
I just got home and she is arranging hay again. I’ve given her extra to eat and am keeping a close eye on her water.
Thanks everyone for all of ur help and support. I’m sure things will be fine.
When she starts to pull fur you know it’s getting close… If you leave some newspaper or a phone book for her she will probably shred that too.
Now is probably a good time to get Potus in for the snip as you will have to keep them separated for a month after till he is completely out of motile sperm.
I hate the time between initial nesting and the due date. Today is day 26. There has been no further progress on a nest. We have given here some paper and lots of hay. Her cage now has a. Lovely layer of hay, paper, and cardboard. But I can’t see where the actual nest is. Argh! Why can’t I just ask her if she’s pregnant lol so I guess it’s just wait and see now. Still crossing my fingers for a false pregncy.
Well, today is day 28 and I’m starting tobreathe easier. She has not shown any pregnancy signs for 2 days. In fact, she has been extra sweet! We can pet her without fear of losing an arm lol she has not pulled fur or even looked like she was nesting. I think we may have gotten lucky!
Keeping my fingers crossed but Pepper did the same thing. Once she was happy that her little project was just right she sat back and waited. Day 32 rolled around and just when I thought I had dodged a bullet they arrived.
Woot!!!
Thanks Roberta, that makes me feel better LOL jk jk. I kind of thought the same thing. Meh. Few more days til we’re safe!
Also have you checked in the nest ?
Well, that’s what confuses me. She made what we though was her nest, then she tore it all down and just carpeted her cage with hay, paper, etc. So now there is no definitive nest. We made her a hay box and she has added some paper to that, but otherwise no nest. She has not pulled any fur.
We did another feel on her tummy. It felt full (she had eaten recently) and I could feel her teats poking up a bit. Gah! This is driving me nuts! Lol
I know exactly what you are saying, it’s frustrating… You just have to wait it out. I would say if there is no activity by the end of the week you should be in the clear and little Miss Hotpants will hopefully get back to normal.
Rabbit gestation is 31 – 35 days. Stop feeling her stomach, you cannot palpitate past day 14. Do not leave her to it. If this is her first litter, most does lose the whole litter because of inexperience. You need to visit backyard herds and backyard chickens where you can brush up on accurate information. There can be a lot of issues for rabbits during kindling. I had a doe die from retained mummified kits when I assumed that she was not pregnant, so this is very serious. There are a number of factors to be considered in rabbit breeding,. Also, has she got a nest box? She may not be happy with her nest and you do not want her scattering kits around her cage. Good luck.
GD29 is right about making sure you get information from the right sources. This site is not geared in way to help you in this matter. Only a few members know what to do, and as admin, my knowledge about this aspect is limited. No way for most of us to know if the information you are given here is correct. It is not our expertise. Another resource is rabbitsonline.com. They have a section where people with more experience about this may be able to help you.
In our resource section – we do have more links that may be helpful.
Pregnancy/Babies – Uh Oh, Surprise Litter?
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/surpriselitter.html
http://www.rabbit.org/care/babies.html
http://www.rabbit.org/care/newborn.html
http://www.mybunny.org/info/newborn.htm
Normally this would be locked by now (once you received resource links to help you), but I’m sure other members want to know if she is pregnant or not. No problem to keep us updated if she is not, but if she is pregnant, be sure to use the resources you’ve been given, and you can PM members you feel would be helpful.
Here is the current rule regarding the subject of Accidental Litters:
• Accidental Litters: We do not have the experience to advise you. We do not allow ongoing threads on the matter because the information then goes out to google search results, inviting more of the same. Only a couple of members have some experience with this, but we are unable to make sure the advice given is reliable; we are not a site or forum that has a wealth of experience in this matter and it would be better for your bunnies to find reliable resources for pregnant/nursing does and their babies. Please visit Resources and scroll to “Oops Surprise Litter”. Other forums like Rabbitsonline.net, that cater to a broader range of experience, may also be of help. (Your post may locked or deleted once resources are given.) And of course, be sure to seek vet care and advice. Do not post pictures of the litters unless you plan on keeping them.(or whichever one or so you plan to keep). Do not use the forum to give or sell bunnies as well.
Helloworld!!
I think it’s okay for BrunosMama to keep us updated on the situation. I would like to know how this ends. Roberta has given some good advice/information on this and letting BrunosMama know that she may not be in the clear yet. If baby bunnies do happen to appear, then I’m sure BrunosMama will contact Roberta for advice. =)
Yes, she should keep us updated, hopefully it is just a false pregnancy. Rabbit conception rates are not always good. They may be induced ovulators, but there is sytill a fertility cycle.
OP, you must provided a covered, dark area in her cage for her to have privacy during her kindling immediately. I was concerned when you wrote that she had destroyed her nest. Maiden does are often insecure and won’t kindle successfully in the open.
Do not disturb her. The birth will probably occur overnight, although it can happen in the day.
Keep a close watch for any issues such as stuck kits or retained kits. Also, the risk of a kit becoming stuck is considerably higher if the buck was a larger breed or one parent is a lop due to their square heads.
Make sure that you research those sites and the other one recommended by administration, they are all excellent sources.
Thanks for not locking the thread. I’m dying to know if she is or isn’t pregnant.
Best recommendation, head to the vet for a check up and get an expert to confirm.
Most vets unfortunately cannot confirm or deny pregnancy in a rabbit, unless they carry out an xray. If the vet is an expert then they could take a good guess, but a guess would be all it would be.
This is because the kits move back and down in late pregnancy. Does are notoriously difficult to tell whether they are pregnant or not. They do not gain weight that is noticeable and display few or no physical symptoms.
Also, you need to take into account whether a trip to the vet would actually help or just upset the doe further I personally wouldn’t do it.
Eeep, sorry admin, was not trying to cause trouble. Thank you for the sources. I have been looking online myself, but knowing a site is trustworthy helps. Thanks!
No babies yet. Will keep you updated!
Hmmm. This is all great information, and I’m glad I don’t have to worry since my girls are both spayed as I’m sure Annie would have been given the time. Being the worry wart that I am, and seeing that Roberta is probably the first person I’d look to for advice on anything going on with my bunnies, I’d be heading to the vet with any concerns I had.
“Does are notoriously difficult to tell whether they are pregnant or not.”
Whereas you can almost always be sure whether a buck is pregnant or not. (Sorry, can’t resist grammar humor)
Yup gingerg, even someone untrained like me can determine if a buck is pregnant.
Lmao too funny! I’m calling the national news if one of our boys is pregnant! Hehe
Annie was moved to a room by herself yesterday. She is thoroughly peeved about it. Tonight her nest box is all rearranged. I’m tempted to look, but will wait til tomorrow.
LOL, gingerg!
And……….Annie is now the proud mommy of four fat wiggly babies. 3 look like they will take after mommy and then there’s a dark one, so probably more like daddy. She had them sometime last night. She is doing fine and they are all warm and plump.
I know. It’s an oops pregnancy, but the creation of life is still amazing! Thanks all, for your advice. Now the real fun starts!
Congratulations!!! And I know how you feel BM – I had puppies! So excited! Nothing beats it…..
They are here and here safely… Seeing as the genie can’t go back in the bottle lets raise a glass to new life. especially when it is born into a responsible home even if by misadventure.
Congratulations on the happy healthy brood!
Here’s to momma and the babies!
Oh gosh BM! You and hubby certainly have your hands full! Really glad to read Annie is ok and the kits too.
Posted By GD29 on 10/22/2014 5:05 PM
Keep a close watch for any issues such as stuck kits or retained kits. Also, the risk of a kit becoming stuck is considerably higher if the buck was a larger breed or one parent is a lop due to their square heads.
This is interesting to read about the lop heads. It makes sense.
I’m having flashbacks…My rabbit Maple had a stuck kit. She’s a dwarf and previous owner had put her with a Flemish buck and another rabbit
3 kits died, one survived. The surviving kit is now an adult and doesn’t resemble a giant at all. I’ve always thought her body more lop-like, despite her upright ears.
So perhaps they were lop mixes and were stillborn due to the head shape.
I am glad to hear that mama bunny and her kits are doing great. I hope everything works out for you.
Glad to hear everything went smoothly for the new mommy. So, have you decided if you are going to keep the babies or adopt them out?
Well, honestly, we need to adopt them out. They make 13 bunnies….yikes! But, my husband and I are big pushovers, so there’s always the possibility one will stay
Oh no Brunosmama, I was hoping this was a false pregnancy. Glad everyone seems to be doing well. Do keep us updated and remember there are a few members here you can contact through pms for advice if needed.
Um, If pics were to happen to appear on your facebook page interested parties would love to know. I can PM you my page link.
Are pics allowed in her profile photo album?
I believe so as long as they don’t appear in the forum (unless you are keeping them) We need to avoid attracting those that just squee and decide baby bunnies would be fun to have… Sweet Goddess, I love baby bunnies but they are terrors, no one in their right mind would intentionally breed bunnies. They are sweet and evil incarnate at the same time,they get into everything.
Potus would like to issue a formal statement regarding the rumors of him being a father:
“I did not have sexual relations with that bunny.”
Uh huh. Sure Potus.
Oh, if its allowed, anyone who would care to see pics as they come along, just PM me on here.
Congratulations! I’m really happy to hear that Mama was alright and all the babies came out with no problems. I think it’ll be an amazing experience to watch them grow up.
Suuurrrrrrrrrrrrrreeee, Potus, suuuuuuuuuuuuurreeee.
I’d love to see some pics!
LOL Potus, we’ll believe you. It was the cabbage patch fairy up to her evil tricks again.
Glad everybun is doing well!
Sure Potus. You are too handsome NOT to believe!
I was also hoping this would end up as just a false alarm, but it is what it is. I’m glad everyone is healthy. Take good care of those babies.
Keep in mind that the male can re-impregnate the female immediately following the birth, there is no “safe period”. Also males can retain viable sperm until 6-8 weeks after they are neutered. Your best bet will be to wait to reintroduce them until a month following the female’s spay.
Right. Potus live by himself anyways. We will get him fixed as soon as we are able. Like I said, the only reason they had a chance together was because we were told he was a girl. They both live seperately on a regular basis. thanks for the warning though!
Oh good! This is something many, many people don’t realize, so i mentioned it for the benefit of others as well! Lots of people read threads but never post, so it’s always a good idea to give as much info related to a topic as possible. 🙂
I just wanted to say that Potus is a really handsome bunny. I love his coloring.
That’s how I got caught out Beka, Piglet was actually neutered a few weeks before the first litter arrived. I only separated them for a fortnight so Piglet was in with Pepper when the first group arrived. Imagine my surprise 4 weeks later when Pepper starts building another nest.
Just a quick update:
Annie and little ones are doing great. Annie is a good mommy. The little ones are growing like weeds! Their eyes started opening yesterday. Now things are gonna get crazy! Lol
Oh i remember your saga well, Roberta!!! You were and always will be the poster child for OOPS litters! Lol!
Glad they are thriving Bruno….
haha Roberta- I remember the second litter-oh my!
› Forum › HOUSE RABBIT Q & A › possible pregnancy…