The act of a rabbit giving birth is called kindling, and the actual delivery process is remarkably fast, typically lasting only 15 to 60 minutes from the start of active labor to the birth of the final kit. This rapid delivery is a natural survival mechanism, allowing the mother to quickly return to a less vulnerable state. Understanding the timeline of preparation and gestation that precedes the birth is important for anyone preparing for a litter of baby rabbits, known as kits.
The Pregnancy Timeline
The full gestation period for a rabbit is short, generally lasting between 28 and 32 days, with 30 to 31 days being the most common duration. This short timeframe means that the mother, or doe, must prepare quickly for the arrival of her litter. The exact timing can vary slightly depending on the breed and the size of the litter.
Preparation for kindling should begin well before the due date, with a quiet, secure nest box introduced into the enclosure around day 27 of the pregnancy. The most unmistakable signs of impending labor usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of the expected birth. At this point, the doe will begin frantic nest building, using hay or straw to create a deep, protective cup.
The final, clear sign that birth is imminent is the mother pulling large amounts of fur from her dewlap, chest, and belly to line the nest. This fur serves the dual purpose of insulating the newborn kits and exposing the mother’s nipples for nursing.
The Actual Birthing Process
When a doe enters active labor, the process is usually quiet and swift, often occurring in the early morning hours when the environment is calmest. Signs of active labor can include a hunched posture, straining, and a generally focused demeanor as she concentrates on the delivery. The doe will typically remain in the nest box during this time.
The entire litter, which can range from four to twelve kits, is usually delivered in a short burst of activity lasting less than an hour. In most cases, the delivery is completed within 30 minutes, with the mother quickly cleaning each kit as it is born. The mother consumes the placenta immediately following the birth of each kit, a necessary behavior that helps clean the nest and recycle nutrients.
Dystocia, or difficulty giving birth, is uncommon in rabbits but requires immediate attention. The most important warning sign is persistent, visible straining for 30 to 60 minutes with no kits being delivered. If a kit is visibly stuck or the mother is showing signs of distress, such as bloody or greenish-brown discharge, veterinary assistance must be sought right away.
Caring for the Mother and Kits
After kindling is complete, the mother rabbit will instinctively distance herself from the nest to avoid attracting predators to her vulnerable young. This means that human interference should be kept to an absolute minimum to prevent stressing the mother, which could cause her to abandon the litter. The mother will only enter the nest to feed the kits.
The mother only nurses her kits once or twice a day, typically at dawn and dusk, and the feeding session lasts only a few minutes due to the high fat and protein content of rabbit milk. This brief, secretive feeding schedule is normal and does not mean the mother is neglecting her young. The kits’ bellies should be checked once a day when the mother is out of the nest to ensure they are being fed.
Healthy, well-fed kits will have full, round bellies and will be warm and quiet when checked. Kits that are cold, wrinkled, or have sunken bellies are not receiving enough milk and may require immediate intervention. The mother needs unlimited access to fresh water, hay, and a high-quality pellet diet to support the demands of lactation.