
How to know when your rabbit is about to kindle, deliver or give birth and what to do
Nothing hurts more getting to your rabbit’s cage, and you find out that the rabbit has given birth on the floor or cage net, and unfortunately all kitten dead.
This situation occurs because such farmer did not provide the rabbit with a comfortable nest box. This often occur as a result of the farmer, not remembering the date that doe was mated or perhaps not aware the rabbit in question is pregnant.
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Some farmer often practice the idea of putting a nest box directly beside the doe whenever they mated a rabbit.. It is a good idea but the side effect is that, if the date is not close, such does will find themselves urinating and defecating in the nest box.
In order not to be in this situation, it is advisable to always have good, clear record keeping for each individual rabbit during:
- The date of mating
- Expected schedule of activities
- The presumed date of kindle (through calculations knowing that the average duration gestation period is 30 days )
If you no longer remember the date, here are some clues that will allow you to put a nest box in the female’s compartment as quickly as possible:
You should notice the following during 5 days – 1 week before kindling occurs:
- The doe can’t do without lying down between 2 – 4 minutes on a regular interval
- She eats less and drink a lot of water
- Her breathing rate is faster than usual (You can notice this from her nose area)
- You can feel the little ones move when you place your hand on the belly (During palpation)
- The vulva of the doe takes size and becomes more and more red.
Common rabbit breeds found in Nigerian farms (Updated February 2022)
When you have noticed these things, you need to put a nest box directly at her disposal as soon as possible.
You will see the rabbit in the box making a nest in preparation for the coming of her babies, removing her fur, filling it inside the nest box.
Wishing you the very best!!!
One thought on “How to know when your rabbit is about to kindle, deliver or give birth and what to do”
Good narration, this is an eye opener.