Babies: HELP!!!

[Oscar]

So funny story I just got into the whole rabbit thing and I had thought I got two of the same gender but NO a buck and a doe :?, but I can't palpate for the life of me, :x and well I'm clueless for the rest of it :roll: please help, well I can sort of palpate but I don't know where to feel!?

 

[Petlover500]

What do you need help with?
Palpating can be very hard... thats why I don't even bother trying :|
Do you know if she got bred and when? Is she pulling fur, or nesting at all?

 

[alforddm]

It's quite common for rabbits to be sexed wrong. Even experienced breeders can be wrong from time to time. We even have a name for it "The sex change fairy".

Palpating can be difficult especially when you have nothing to compare.

Rabbit gestation is usually 31 days but can very from 29-34 with some longer dates being reported. It is normal to put in a nest box at day 28. However, if you have no idea when or even if your rabbit is bred this can be a problem. It might be a good idea to install a nest box now and wait around 35 days before removing it. If she hasn't kindled in that time and has had no further exposure to the buck you can safely assume she is not bred.

You haven't mentioned anything about how they are kept. Are they in outside cages or inside? This could influence the type of nest box you need.

How old are your rabbits?

 

[Miss M]

How old are they? If they looked like two does a few days ago, but now one has descended testicles, it's not likely that the doe was bred before they appeared.

(It's even conceivable that you have two bucks, and one doesn't have descended testicles yet.)

 

[Oscar]

They live outside in a rabbit hutch an since it is getting close to winter I put them together so they don't get cold, that's why I got two(I have had bad luck with rabbits in the winter), and I am sure that I have a buck and a doe. I will need help through out the whole thing. I can't for sure tell if she is pregnant and nesting because it has only been about 8 days since they bred, I know this because she won't lift for him I have to lift her for him.

 

[Zinnia]

Oscar, now that you know you have a buck and a doe, you will need to separate them. They can still be warm enough alone with bedding and blockage from the wind and rain. If and when your doe kindles, you won't want the buck in with her. Perhaps you could re-home the buck if you don't intend to breed and only have one hutch?

For now, just separate and give your doe a place to have her babies if she got bred. Mark the calendar from the day you remove her and keep an eye on her with proper nesting materials until a few days after 31 days from separating.

Palpating is not necessary. Just assume she's bred and don't let your guard down until after the gestation time has passed. <br /><br /> -- Tue Nov 03, 2015 10:46 am -- <br /><br /> If she gets to the point where she's nesting and it looks like there will be a litter, let us know and we will help you see her through. You won't be left unguided. But, you need to start somewhere and it begins with separating now.

 

[FourRingCircus]

I can't palpitate either. I just play the anxious waiting game. Did you just put them together 8 days ago? If so, start the clock from there. In 20 days put in a nest box....

 

[wamplercathy]

Adding you location to your sight info would help us with winterizing your rabbitry. Different places have different weather. More rain, or snow. Higher wind gust with lower wind chills. So let us know where you located. Well not you full address but state and country. There might even be a RT-er near you that could help.

 

[Oscar]

I live in Colorado, and I have previously held her in a old dog crate is that ok? I will cover the hutches in a tarp this winter!!! I was worried about them being part because she previously was not drinking and when i put them together she started drinking. i am also worried because i have not had the best of luck with rabbits in the winter.

 

[Zinnia]

An old dog crate is fine. Under a roof or tarp is good, but make sure there's good airflow. CO winters should not be a problem for healthy rabbits with good shelter, so I think you'll do fine.

I'm sorry she wasn't drinking water when she wasn't with her mate. Maybe you could offer her extra attention once you separate her from the buck. Placing them where they can see each other well may help.

 

[Oscar]

Thank you i will try this. <br /><br /> -- Wed Nov 04, 2015 10:37 pm -- <br /><br /> The weird thing is that today when I separated them she seemed just as happy, or even happier than when I put them back together?!? He must have been getting on her nerves, I think she really needed it to because her feet were really sore and one of her feet were bleeding because her feet are really tender, she is a Rex and I have a wire bottomed rabbit hutch but the wire doesn't bother my Mini lop because the fur on the bottom of his feet are really really thick.