Giving birth is an exciting time for any new rabbit momma, but it can also be a nerve-wracking experience not knowing what to expect.
Labor and delivery of a litter of kits is usually quick for rabbits compared to other mammals. However, the full birthing process still takes some time to progress through the various stages of labor before the kits arrive.
Understanding the typical rabbit gestation period, stages of labor, and range of delivery times can help breeders and owners feel more prepared when their doe is ready to kindle.
Monitoring the pregnant rabbit for any potential concerns is also an important part of ensuring a healthy birthing process.
Here we will walk through the timeline of events from conception to birth so you know what is normal and how long the main phases of labor last for the average rabbit.
Contents
Rabbit Gestation Period: From Mating to Kindling
A rabbit’s pregnancy lasts an average of 31-33 days from the time of successful mating to when she gives birth, which is called kindling. This gestation period allows the kits to fully develop in the doe’s uterus before entering the outside world.
An experienced rabbit breeder can get a sense of the doe’s progress by gently feeling her abdomen. Around two weeks into the pregnancy, the embryos should be detectable as small lumps in the uterus.
The kits will continue growing over the month, becoming more defined in shape and size as birthing approaches.Some key things to note about the rabbit gestation timeline:
- Day 1 starts at the time of mating. Ovulation occurs during mating for rabbits.
- Implantation happens around day 6-7 when the embryos implant into the uterine lining.
- Most litters are born between days 31-33. But normal gestation can range from 28-35 days.
- Does may pull fur to create a nest 24-48 hours before labor starts.
- Appetite decreases 12-24 hours before kindling as hormones shift.
Knowing the average rabbit pregnancy length helps estimate when the litter is due. But it’s also important to watch for signs of approaching labor as the expected due date nears.
Rabbit Labor and Delivery: Kindling Timeline
Once the gestation period is complete, the next stage of giving birth begins with the onset of labor. Here’s an overview of the rabbit kindling timeline:
Early Labor
- Appetite decreases 12-24 hours before active labor starts.
- Doe becomes restless and begins nesting behavior.
- Early contractions may begin but are irregular and far apart.
- This early stage can last 6-12 hours.
Active Labor
- Regular contractions start becoming closer together.
- Doe lays down and may grunt or growl during strong contractions.
- Strong pushing urges start.
- Active hard labor lasts around 15 minutes on average.
Delivery of Kits
- Doe delivers each kit quickly, often within 1-2 pushes.
- Usually all kits are born within 15-30 minutes.
- Doe removes placental sac and cleans newborns.
- Average litter size is 4-6 kits.
Delivery of Placentas
- Placentas are usually expelled 15-30 minutes after last kit.
- Doe continues licking kits to stimulate breathing and nursing.
- Labor is complete once all placentas have passed.
- Entire kindling process may last 2-12 hours.
So while active labor and birthing is quick, early labor, delivery, and passing placentas can extend the total kindling process. If a large litter prolongs delivery, the overall timeline may reach up to 24 hours.
Litter Size and Its Effect on Length of Labor
The number of kits a doe gives birth to in a single litter can vary quite a bit, from as few as 1 kit to as many as 14 kits. The average litter size for rabbits is between 4-6 kits.Larger litters tend to prolong the birthing process compared to smaller litters. Here’s how litter size can impact labor:
- Small litters (1-3 kits) – Labor often progresses quickly and smoothly. Total kindling time may be just 2-3 hours.
- Average litters (4-6 kits) – Labor may last from 4-12 hours from early labor to final placenta passing.
- Large litters (7+ kits) – More kits mean more time spent in active labor delivering each one. Total kindling time can extend to 12-24 hours.
- Very large litters (10+ kits) – Risk of complications like uterine inertia increases. Doe may need assistance from a vet.
While most does can handle birthing average sized litters on their own, it’s important to monitor labor if she seems to be having difficulty delivering a large litter. Contact a rabbit-savvy vet for guidance or help if needed.
Otherwise, expect a little bit longer labor and delivery process for litters on the larger side. But the doe’s body is well designed for kindling her kits efficiently.
Labor Progress and Potential Complications
Labor and delivery tends to progress quickly and smoothly in most rabbit does. Obstruction of kits during the birthing process is uncommon, unlike in some other mammals.However, there are still some potential issues to keep an eye out for:
- Prolonged labor – Labor exceeding 2 hours without a kit born indicates a problem. Doe may be exhausted or have uterine inertia.
- Birthing difficulties – Doe strains hard for over 20 minutes without a kit appearing. May be a malpositioned kit.
- Excessive bleeding – More than a tablespoon or two of blood is abnormal. Uterine rupture is possible.
- Retained placenta – Placentas not expelled within 12 hours of kindling require medical attention.
- Stillborn kits – One or more kits born deceased. May indicate an issue like infection.
- No milk production – Doe isn’t nursing kits. Could signal birthing complications or health problem.
If you notice any of these issues during the birthing process, contact your veterinarian right away for advice or emergency care. Don’t delay getting help for the doe or kits.
But in most cases, labor progresses smoothly thanks to the rabbit’s efficient birthing anatomy and natural maternal instincts. Monitoring for any abnormalities is the key.
Caring for the Doe and Kits After Delivery
Once all the kits have arrived, the doe still has some important work ahead – nursing and raising her litter. Here are some tips for caring for the new rabbit mom and babies:
- Provide a secluded nest box with plenty of hay where the doe can nurse her kits undisturbed.
- Check that each kit is nursing and has milk in its belly. Supplement with kitten milk if needed.
- Give the doe unlimited hay, water, and increased pellets while nursing to support milk production.
- Avoid disturbing the doe and litter during the first 3-5 days after kindling.
- Handle newborn kits as little as possible initially to prevent rejection.
- Check the doe’s appetite and urine/stool output. Call a vet if abnormal.
- Watch for signs of mastitis in nursing does like hot, red, or hardened mammary glands.
- Weigh kits at 2 weeks old to ensure adequate milk intake and growth.
- Keep the nest clean and dry to avoid mastitis and health issues.
With a proper postpartum environment and nutrition, the new rabbit mom can focus on recovering from labor and bonding with her kits in those critical first days and weeks.
What to Expect with Rabbit Labor and Delivery
To recap the timeline of the rabbit birthing process:
- Gestation lasts 31-33 days on average from successful mating to kindling.
- Early labor can begin up to 24 hours before active labor starts.
- Active labor when strong contractions begin lasts around 15 minutes.
- Delivery of all kits is usually complete within 30 minutes or less.
- Placenta passing follows over the next 15-30 minutes after kit delivery.
- Total kindling time from early labor to final placenta expulsion may take 2-24 hours.
- Average litter size is 4-6 kits but can range from 1-14 kits.
- Larger litters tend to lengthen the birthing process.
- Labor obstructions are uncommon but warrant an emergency vet visit.
- Monitor the doe and kits closely for the first days and weeks after delivery.
Knowing what to expect in terms of rabbit pregnancy length and labor stages can help you be prepared for the big event.
But don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if concerns arise during the birthing process. Most does experience a smooth delivery and healthy litter under proper care.
FAQs
How long are rabbits pregnant?
- Rabbits have a gestation period of 31-33 days on average. Pregnancy lasts from successful mating through kindling.
What are signs that a rabbit is about to give birth?
- Decreased appetite, nesting behavior, pulling fur, and restlessnes are signs kindling is approaching within 24 hours.
How long does a rabbit give birth for?
- Active labor when a doe begins actively pushing lasts about 15 minutes. But early labor and placenta passing extend total kindling time to 2-24 hours.
Do rabbits give birth to one baby or multiple?
- Rabbits usually give birth to litters of 4-6 kits on average. But litter size can range from 1 to 14 babies.
Do rabbits need help giving birth?
- Most does give birth naturally without need for human assistance. Only intervene if labor stops progressing or there are signs of complication.
How long after birth can baby rabbits be handled?
- It’s best not to handle newborn kits until at least 3-5 days old. This gives them time to bond with their mother and avoid rejection.
