Not sure what to do now.

[WildWolf]

So, three weeks ago my buck managed to worm his way into my doe's run. Needless to say, the hole he tore open is now patched Her run is extremely large, and I never saw them together. But, I have no clue how long he'd been in there, so...

The doe looks bigger. And a week ago (when she was 2 weeks into her possible pregnancy) I palpated her. I thought I felt one grape-sized ball. But, I've never been able to palpate successful before, so I'm not sure. Today (she is 3 weeks into her possible pregnancy) I tried to palpate... and I felt something, but couldn't tell if it was roundish... and I felt her poop balls. Also, I palpate her while she lying on her side, because she's more relaxed and tolerant that way. I slip my hand underneath her so that my fingers are on both sides. Would that effect what I feel?

Also- how big are the kits when she is 1 week into pregnancy? 2 weeks? 3 weeks?

My last question is, what do I do now? I was planning on breeding her this week, so that she gave birth during a week that was convenient to me. But... if I put her in with the buck, would she attack if she's pregnant? Would she let him cover her if she is pregnant? If it helps, they live right next to each other and often flirt/touch noses through the wire.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Prisma]

I'd wait the extra time to see if she is. Palpating, even the most experienced, isn't always reliable. Kits by about 2 weeks in are about the size of marbles (might be a little size difference in breeds, but that's about what I get with my Mini Rex that are VERY pregnant and VERY easy to feel up). I always have them sitting up and work front to back on the underside softly. Given she's 3 weeks, should be able to feel quite well if she is with several, one or two maybe not. There is a possibility, bred or not, a doe will not like a buck and attack or refuse advances. She may let him do whatever he wants to though as well, pregnant or not. Some does, if aggravated enough, will absorb or abort...found that out with a doe I didn't think was pregnant and tried rebreeding, she aborted 2 very tiny (most likely peanuts any way from size/shape at the age they were at) kits.

 

[Miss M]

I agree... I would wait, just to make sure.

Rabbits can breed through wire, too, by the way.