How can you tell if a bun is pregnant?

[maherwoman]

Hey guys!  A friend of mine rescued a bunny a couple weeks ago, a female, and the bun isn't fixed. The bun, Ani, is now pulling hair.  How can my friend tell if her babe is pregnant?

Thanks! 

 

[TinysMom]

The best way to tell is to palpate the rabbit -I believe there is a link to a site on this in the pinned topic at the top of the rabbitry forum about rabbits from conception to weaning or something like that.

If the rabbit is pulling fur - it is most likely either pregnant and close to giving birth - OR - experiencing a false pregnancy.  I rarely see false pregnancies where does pull hair....but I have seen them nest with hay.

Anyway - usually my does pull hair within a very short time of giving birth - say an hour or so?  Usually less with my more experienced does!

Good luck.

Peg


Edited to add: 

http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/5_04_2.gif  - image of someone palpating a doe

http://www.countrysidemag.com/issues/5_2004.htm#article4 -article on palpating a rabbit

 

[Akkatia]

Please, DO NOT palpate your doe if she is already pulling out fur. You risk damaging the unborn kits (if there are any.) Just put a nest box in therre and wait and see.

 

[SunnieBunnie Rabbitry]

How's your doe? Did she deliver?

 

[fiona]

good luck