Unexpected pregnancy

[Bunnynebula]

Classic story right? Well anyways I got my bunnies from two separate feed stores. Both stores told me, and checked while I was there, that the bunny I was getting was female. Well 4 months later my bunnies start playing rabbit’. But eh, didn’t think much of it. Even girls will do that to each other. (I should’ve checked them anyways to make sure, but alas I didn’t.) Two weeks later and I notice my bunny is starting to get a little plump around the tummy and lazy (but this could also be obesity, I assume) So, being very suspicious now I go ahead and lift my other rabbit’s tail to find that he is indeed a male. I separated them immediately, and went out to buy a new cage and other nessisities. I have no idea how far along my bunny is or if she is even pregnant. How can I tell? They were also outdoor bunnies (well kinda they have a hutch in the barn with a fan) but I just decided to move the possibly pregnant mama indoors. Was this a bad choice? She undergo’ed a 10 degree tempature change and moved into a new cage, was this too much stress for her? She seemed really freaked out at first but now it’s not very bad. I need to know everything I can about raising baby rabbit kits and how not to stress out the mom so all information is appreciated. I also need to neuter my male bunny, but I heard they can still have stored sperm for awhile afterwards? If so how long does it take for it to go away, and how long should I keep him separated after his surgery? (I have plenty of time as I don’t plan on mixing the mama and babies with the daddy for a long time, I just don’t currently have money anymore to do it right away.) Are there vaccines rabbit kits need before or at 8 weeks of age?
Also, while I am grateful for anyone that responds, please do not tell me to get my female
bunny sprayed and termanite her pregnancy because I am going to do all I can to keep these surprise kits alive.

Some info about the female bunny:
– She is a Californian breed
– She is about 7 months old
– This is obviously her 1st litter
– She is drinking/eating/pooping fine
– She is plump on her sides
– She is being lazy
– She’s digging out places to sit but not really moving any hay or pulling fur
– She is not being aggressive
– I felt nothing in her

Some info about the male bunny:
– He is a mix breed of some sort
– He is 6 or so months old
– He isn’t really fat at all
– He was still going’ at her yesterday (The day I separated her and found out he was male)

If guys need any more info I will gladly provide! I might be able to get pictures too.

[Roberta]

No worries Bunnynebula, I have two oopsie litters and I still have 3 of the babies (although they are far from babies now)
First, moving her indoors is a good idea, she might be missing her mate though. Boys take approx. 4-5 weeks before the sperm is fully gone so if you get him done immediately they won’t need to be separated as long. Bunnies can breed again immediately after giving birth so don’t weaken and put them together till after the 4 or so weeks. Mummy buns need lots of food to prepare so unlimited quality hay, greens and premium plain pellets, not sure of the climate where you are but babies need to be warm and mummy likes privacy. She will start making a nest about a week before from hay, torn paper and fur she pulls from her dewlap.
Just in case you have dodged a bullet and she isn’t pregnant just fat keep them apart until your boy is fixed.

[Roberta]

Baby bunnies can be vaccinated for Calci at about 8 weeks, or if you are lucky enough calici and myxo, we can’t get the myxo vax in Australia. Some countries do not have the same problem with myxo and calici the Australia does and the vax is not required. If you have any flea issues treating mum with Revolution or Advantage (Not Frontline it’s toxic) whilst the babies are still feeding will also protect them from parasites.

[jerseygirl]

The mums most often pull fur right before they’re ready to give birth. With new mums, you might see it happen earlier, then again right before the birthing.
Make sure she had lost of nesting materials available to her.

This is a pretty informative article.
http://www.rabbit.org/care/babies.html

[Sarita]

Here is our forum rule on accidental litters (going to lock this thread):

• 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 use the forum to give or sell bunnies as well.

[Author]

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