Palpating question

[GorbyJobRabbits]

I am no good at palpating. Couldn't do it if my life depended on it. And at this point I'm 100% positive my does hate me lol. So I do have a question....

I noticed today that on a few the ends of their ribs are 'flared out'. No matter what position they sat in it's as though the ends of their ribs were pushed way out. And on the one doe it does not do that, and all my other rabbits it doesnt. Just 4 out of 5 who could possibly be due this weekend.... any info on the ribs?

or any help would be great!

 

[SNM]

IDK about the ribs, but a lot of my does abdomens/stomachs will be rock hard if they are pregnant. Because I raise small breeds they usually look huge and uncomfortable by 3 weeks Saves me the trouble of palpating sometimes(if i'm not in a hurry). Some people are good at some aren't just takes practice.

Have you tried asking an experiencd breeder to show you?

 

[GorbyJobRabbits]

There are like NO breeders around here. I've bred rabbits all my life and never palpated. And in the last few months have tried. One of my friends is going to show me at Harlie Nationals, but that's a month away. I've a few due this weekend and just have no luck with the palpating. Even the last time they were all due I couldn't tell you with most of them. The one was as huge as a basketball and some had hard tummies but some, no.