What are the odds?

CedarRidge · Nov 4, 2024

Sept 30th bred a senior SF doe with a senior SF buck. Had 4 fall offs in a 15 minute span. Previous pairings resulted in 1 fall-off (2 kits/1 still born on day 33) and 3 fall-offs (6 kits/all alive on day 31). So, we were not too concerned this time, as it was the first time our buck had no problem with the doe being receptive. Here we are at day 35 and no kits, no nest building, and no fur pulling. Absolutely no signs of pregnancy other than she is very needy, her dewlap is beyond huge, and she is eating more than normal. She is drinking, and pooping normally. I know the buck wasn't heat sterile as he was in a consistent 68 degrees all summer. She does not appear to be overweight, weighing in at 11lb, 1 oz (10 - 12 is the range for SF) at 1 yr and 4 months. Has anyone had similar situations with proven bucks and proven does doing the "deed" and still not resulting in a viable pregnancy?

Alaska Satin · Nov 4, 2024

CedarRidge said:
Sept 30th bred a senior SF doe with a senior SF buck. Had 4 fall offs in a 15 minute span. Previous pairings resulted in 1 fall-off (2 kits/1 still born on day 33) and 3 fall-offs (6 kits/all alive on day 31). So, we were not too concerned this time, as it was the first time our buck had no problem with the doe being receptive. Here we are at day 35 and no kits, no nest building, and no fur pulling. Absolutely no signs of pregnancy other than she is very needy, her dewlap is beyond huge, and she is eating more than normal. She is drinking, and pooping normally. I know the buck wasn't heat sterile as he was in a consistent 68 degrees all summer. She does not appear to be overweight, weighing in at 11lb, 1 oz (10 - 12 is the range for SF) at 1 yr and 4 months. Has anyone had similar situations with proven bucks and proven does doing the "deed" and still not resulting in a viable pregnancy?

Yes, I've had that happen. It could have been a miss, or an early miscarriage... But I would NOT take the box out yet!!! I've been burned by that. I've had live kits born as late as 36/37 days, and lost some of them because I'd pulled the box, or never put it in because the doe wasn't apparently pregnant.

Also, it's hard to tell if a rabbit is fat just going by the standard, since not all rabbits fit within the guidelines. How does her body condition feel? Fat rabbits are often "chuffy" around the shoulders. At 1yr4mos I wouldn't be super worried about it - mine don't tend to run to fat until after about 1-1/2 to 2 years if they've been kept in production - but it's a possibility.

CedarRidge · Nov 4, 2024

Thanks for the insight. We're hoping she's got one or two and they are just taking a while to fill her up. Her dewlap fur is easily pulled, but then again, she appears to be in molt, so who knows. Planning on leaving all in place until next weekend and will make the call then.

jani · Nov 5, 2024

I have a very non receptive SF doe I never even saw fall off with who ended up having 11 kits on day 37! She got right irritated around day 32 and was eating more so I stuck a nest box in and ALMOST took it out day 36 evening.. but got distracted. There was no nesting activity... next morning early nest built and lined all live well furred and rather large for a big litter kits. So I second dont rule it out quite yet.

Scooter1A · Nov 5, 2024

just can't figure a rabbit, that's why I love them. Hope you have some isight soon.

Sapphire16 · Thursday at 8:07 PM

CedarRidge said:
Sept 30th bred a senior SF doe with a senior SF buck. Had 4 fall offs in a 15 minute span. Previous pairings resulted in 1 fall-off (2 kits/1 still born on day 33) and 3 fall-offs (6 kits/all alive on day 31). So, we were not too concerned this time, as it was the first time our buck had no problem with the doe being receptive. Here we are at day 35 and no kits, no nest building, and no fur pulling. Absolutely no signs of pregnancy other than she is very needy, her dewlap is beyond huge, and she is eating more than normal. She is drinking, and pooping normally. I know the buck wasn't heat sterile as he was in a consistent 68 degrees all summer. She does not appear to be overweight, weighing in at 11lb, 1 oz (10 - 12 is the range for SF) at 1 yr and 4 months. Has anyone had similar situations with proven bucks and proven does doing the "deed" and still not resulting in a viable pregnancy?

Sometimes the kits are absorbed due to stress or some other reason.