Just getting prepared

[Ashley72]

So, I am pretty sure my rabbit is going to give birth soon enough. Not sure how far along she is, as I got her a week and a half ago, and she was already pregnant from the store. She is eating great (a lot!), drinking well, pooping a lot and peeing normally. She seems to be laying about more today, and seems tired, and like she can't get comforatble, she lays right out on her side, trying out different places in her cage. I just want to be sure I am doing everything I can to be prepared for her birth and the kits. I have a nesting box ready, with a piece of polar fleece on the bottom of the box, and grass and botanical hay on top. Considering this is my rabbits first (and only) pregnancy, I am hoping for smooth sailing. I know she may not pull her hair, is there anything else I can add to the nesting box, or it's good as is? She's also on Young rabbit pellets (alfalfa based), and has an abundance of hay (both timothy grass and botanical hay). Also, when should I add the box? Since she may not pull her fur, and I don't know how far along she is, I am not sure when to put it in. I don't want her to use it as a toilet.

Any other advice is MUCH appreciated!

 

[Nancy McClelland]

ray:

 

[CCWelch]

So you were able to see movement if I remember correctly, and today she is being restless. I would say she is going to kindle very soon. (within a couple of days)

Does she have a corner that she specifically uses for a bathroom? Make sure you do not put the nest box there.
Is she an indoor rabbit? If so you need not worry so much about if she pulls hair because the room temperature should be warm enough and you can always pull hair from her belly for her, it pulls out easily after they have their babies.

I would put the nestbox in now just to be safe. If she is as close as she seems to be she will start making a nest almost immediately, if not watch to see she doesn't use it as a potty box and if she does, clean it and return it to her.

 

[Ashley72]

Yes I saw movement, and I still see lots of movement. She does have a specific corner she uses as her bathroom, and is litterbox trained. She is an indoor rabbit as well. We live in a apartment, so it's very warm. Thanks for your advice I'm excied, and very nervous! I am just hoping she doesn't harm the kits when they are born, and am hoping they will survive and feed. She isn't aggressive at all, and just flops down so I can pet her and give her love. She used to let me rub her belly, she doesn't seem to like it as much now. I can touch her belly, but she doesn't let me for as long and will move and put her head in my hands instead for me to rub her.

 

[woahlookitsme]

She sounds like she will be fine. Buns usually kindle at night or early morning so u might wake up and there will already be babies. Although some of our does have had them during the day. Mom will clean them and feed them. Clean out the box after she has them if any of the hay has blood on it. Give mom some love before you go in if she will let you. If the babies aren't being fed you will know because they can't last longer than 48 hours. Look for ping pong bellies in the morning or before bed once they are born. Just trust in your girl I'm sure she will be fine

 

[ZRabbits]

Wishing you all the luck with the birth. Please keep us advised.

I just don't understand pet store owners selling pregnant bunnies. Or even taking that risk of putting males and females together.

Bunnies are NOT cats or canines.

Sorry for the rant. It just blows my mind that people can be so ignorant on what they are selling. Even the average layman knows that bunnies reproduce and reproduce rapidly. If you don't know this and work at a pet store, you shouldn't be there.

Again, wishing you all the luck.

K

 

[Ashley72]

Thanks, no kits yet. I think probably this weekend, or early next week. We shall see

 

[bunnychild]

I love babies! must post pics when they are born

 

[Bonnie Lee]

For somebody looking for advice it seems like you're doing
such an excellent job ^_^
Good luck with the babies!
can't wait to see photos!

 

[Ashley72]

Thanks! No babies still. Little foot is still doing great! I have had her for 16 days now. So depending on how far along she was in the first place, it should be soon. If a month goes by and no babies, then I'll know she wasn't pregnant! lol. There is still lots of movement in her belly, and she flops to lay down all over the place. I can feel movement as well if I put my hand on her belly. I'll post if anything happens in the next coming days.

 

[Ashley72]

Oh one more quick question, I have fur from my other rabbit (she pulled it during a false pregnancy), could I use that if little foot doesn't pull her fur? Or would that risk the babies' lives?

 

[LindseyG]

If she smells another rabbits scent she might not be happy. If she doesnt pull the hair you can do it for her. Good luck!