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Rabbits/Pregnant Dwarf Rabbit?

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Expert: Pam Enve - 10/18/2009


Question
QUESTION: I do not know if my bunny is pregnant or sick because I have a dwarf rabbit that is about 4 months old. I do not know the exact age, or the gender of my rabbit, but I do not know if my rabbit could be pregnant, or something is wrong with it. I originally had two bunnies, but the second one passed away mysteriously. I bought two more bunnies and they are fine. They are a bit younger than my other bunny so I do not think there is any possible way that my bunny Oreo could be pregnant. The rabbit I have now is healthy,eating it's hay and pellets, but is drinking A LOT of water. Is that bad? Today, I just realized that my bunny had a way bigger tummy than a few days ago and I was just wondering if you think my rabbit could be eating too much, or if something is seriously wrong.

ANSWER: Hi,

A 4 month old rabbit can become pregnant.  If she is with a boy you need to separate them.  Drinking a lot of water can be from being thirsty, to much salt in the diet or certain illnesses can cause rabbits to drink more.  Keep an eye out for any lethargy, diarrhea, failure to eat or poop and anything else that just doesn't seem right.  If you notice any of these signs get her to a vet right away.

Pam

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you very much. I am sure that my rabbit is very healthy. She is eating hay and pellets and she is definitely pooping a lot. Do you think I should take out the salt lick that I placed in the cage? I heard that it is good to place those in the cage so I placed a small one in there.

ANSWER: I would not recommend using salt licks.  Some people use them but they have no nutritional value.  This is most likely why she is drinking so much.  You can give her some other rabbit safe toys such as untreated wood blocks, sisal rope etc.  This will keep her occupied.

If you have any more questions just let me know.

Pam

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you. I will make sure I take out the salt lick and put in more toys. But I also have two more questions. I am pretty sure that my rabbit is pregnant because of the marble-sized balls that I felt by her pelvic area in her tummy and I was wondering about the nesting box. I was wondering if I had to get a nesting box, or would something like a large shoe box be fine? And right now at the moment, I am housing my pregnant bunny with two other bunnies. would you advise that I put my pregnant bunny in another cage?

Answer
Hi,

All rabbits should be separated before they are 3 months old.  This will prevent unwanted pregnancies and fighting.  I would suggest that you separate them right away.  If you can get them spayed and neutered you can re-bond them.

Use should use a commercial nest box from most farm stores or have someone make you a wooden one.  If making it yourself make sure that the box is 2 inches bigger than the bunny on all sides.  The sides should be about 6 inches high.  The shoebox could work in a pinch but the mom will be able to tug on it and tip it over.  When the babies urinate the box will get wet.  You can use the plastic storage tubs but if you are using the shoe size you will want to poke holes in it and zip tie it to the cage.  Also poke a few small holes in the bottom for drainage.

Good luck

Pam

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Pam Enve

Experience

I have raised and shown several breeds of rabbits over the past 15 years. I worked as a Paramedic for over 15 years and then went back to school to become a NYS certified veterinary technician. I did not work in the field long due to an unexpected disability but in the short time I was employed it was with a veterinarian who worked solely with exotic animals. I have a basic knowledge of meat breeds but absolutely have no clue how to process them. I am uncomforable answering questions about rabbits raised for meat but if you cant find someone else I will do my best to help. All animals need care even farm and meat animals. I have been studying rabbit behavior for over 7 years. I teach color coat genetics at our local universities animal science class and although the class is based on dogs and cats I still have a thorough knowledge of color genetics of rabbits as well as genetics pertaining to the health of rabbits. I enjoy working with difficult bunnies. I spend 100% of my time with my rabbits and helping others to train theirs. I am NOT part of the House Rabbit Society, but believe they have the best interest of the animals at heart and that is what is important. Many breeders will outright tell you the HRS is bad, and many HRS members will tell you that all breeders are bad. Neither is the case but in any situation you are always going to find people who will disagree. The most important issue I can stress is that breeding must be "responsible" no matter what you intend to use the rabbits for. It is competely irresponsible to breed rabbits just because you want to. If you want to eat them I have no problem with that, but if you have a litter of say 6-10 rabbits and only bred them for fun, you better have figured out what you are going to do with those kits or before you know it you are going to have 600 rabbits in yours house and you aren't going to have a place to sleep.

Organizations
American Rabbit Breeder's Association. Little Angels Animal Sanctuary. Humane Farmers of America.

Education/Credentials
Certified Veterinary Technician. ARBA licensed registrar. Full-time Farmer. My father ran a thoroughbred horse rescue my entire life. He was diagnosed with cancer 5 years ago and although he is in remission he has decided it is time to retire. I was appointed CEO of his organization and his sanctuary was private. I, with the help of my husband are in the process of acquiring our 501(c)3 IRS tax exemption status. Rather than breeding rabbits we have now taken on the task of rescuing unwanted pet rabbits as well as some farm animals. I still remain a member of the ARBA and still teach genetics as well as register and promote the breeding of only purebred and genetically sound animals.

Awards and Honors
Volunteer of the year 2008, dedication above and beyond.

Past/Present Clients
I was employed by an exotic animal hospital for 2 years. I left due to a disability. I now spend all of my time training my rabbits and helping others to properly train and bond theirs.

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