Count Down Begins

[Kat872]

IF my doe is expecting we're nearing the final days and I am still not very sure. Today is day 25. She is continuing to act different. She is running to the door for ear scratches, but will not let me touch her stomach or pick her up. She is still keeping her next box clean. She has been squeaking (so cute!) and she is not totally off her pellets, but not eating as many of them as she used to. This morning she seemed nervous (which is odd for her).

When I was able to pick her up on day 22 I could not feel anything in her belly. Granted I didn't poke around too hard because I didn't want to hurt anything.

I guess my question is, do signs of a false pregnancy continue on this long? I guess I assumed if it was false it would last a couple of days and she would go back to normal, but that hasn't happened.

This is her first time and mine, so I don't have my hopes set too high, but just want to be prepared. (Just for the record, I'm not nervous or harassing her with extra attention...just sticking to our usual routines.)

 

[macksmom98]

My doe went thru a suspected false pregnancy (I can't be 100% sure because she was with my Buck so it's possible she reabsorbed the kits too-I never saw a sign of miscarriage) and she built and early nest and was Haystaching days 17-20. After that is was all over, and she calmed right down. I was able to hold her as normal and I immediately put her in with my Buck again. This time they did exactly what they were supoosed to twice, and she spent all 20 days (after the first week or so) being grouchy and protective of her belly like yours. It continued until day 31 when she kindled on day 31 and it drug out to day 32. Now we have 5 good looking kits. So my experience is that if they stay grouchy that she is very likely pregnant. But there are always exceptions with animals.....

 

[Kat872]

Yes, I'm finding out it's very much a wait and see kind of thing.

She started haystaching and nest building on day 17. The 22nd will be day 31. It just makes sense that it will happen that day, as it's the same day I have to take my buck back to the vet to have the antibiotic pellet removed from his surgery site. (She built her nest the same day he was having surgery. Maybe she's just jealous for attention!)

 

[macksmom98]

Could be. I am also new to rabbit breeding and asked. Lot of questions (probably had a lot of ppl laughing too). But everyone here is really nice and more than willing to share their experiences. I think starting the nest that early isn't necessarily a bad thing, it may just mean she's prepared. I also think it's a positive sign that she's still grouchy. Time will tell-you won't have much longer to wait! Fingers crossed for you!!!!

 

[Ole Mule]

My rabbits start nesting just hours before and I know it is close when they start pulling fur. They always on time.