Determine the key dates for your rabbit's pregnancy and kindling.
Estimated Pregnancy Timeline
Earliest Palpation Date (Day 10):
Latest Palpation Date (Day 14):
Add Nest Box Date (Day 28):
Expected Kindling Date (Day 31):
Kindling Window Range:
Understanding Rabbit Pregnancy and Gestation
Rabbit gestation is remarkably fast compared to other mammals. On average, a doe (female rabbit) is pregnant for 31 days. However, the normal range for a healthy pregnancy can vary between 28 and 33 days. Knowing the exact mating date is crucial for breeders to ensure the doe is prepared with a nest box and proper nutrition.
Key Milestones in the Bunny Pregnancy Timeline
Days 10-14: Palpation. This is the window where an experienced breeder can gently feel the doe's abdomen for "marbles," which are the developing embryos. Doing this too early can be inaccurate, and doing it too late can be dangerous for the kits.
Day 28: Nest Box Introduction. You should place a nest box filled with clean straw or wood shavings into the hutch. The doe will begin to "nest," often pulling fur from her own chest to line the box.
Day 31: Kindling. This is the most common day for birth. Most rabbits kindle late at night or in the very early hours of the morning.
Preparation for Kindling
As the expected kindling date approaches, it is vital to keep the environment quiet and stress-free. Stress can cause a doe to abandon her litter or fail to produce milk. Ensure she has access to unlimited clean water and high-quality alfalfa hay, which provides the extra calcium and protein needed for milk production.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my rabbit goes past 33 days? If a doe reaches 34 or 35 days without giving birth, it is considered a late pregnancy. You should consult a veterinarian immediately, as the kits may be too large for natural birth, or there may be a complication requiring medical intervention.
Can I handle the babies (kits) after they are born? Yes, you should check the nest box shortly after kindling to remove any "peanuts" (underdeveloped kits) or kits that did not survive. Most domestic does are comfortable with their owners checking the nest as long as it is done calmly.
function calculateGestation() {
var matingInput = document.getElementById("matingDate").value;
if (!matingInput) {
alert("Please select a mating date.");
return;
}
var matingDate = new Date(matingInput);
var resultsArea = document.getElementById("resultsArea");
var alertBox = document.getElementById("gestationAlert");
// Helper function to format date
function formatDate(date) {
var options = { weekday: 'short', year: 'numeric', month: 'long', day: 'numeric' };
return date.toLocaleDateString(undefined, options);
}
// Calculations
var pStart = new Date(matingDate);
pStart.setDate(matingDate.getDate() + 10);
var pEnd = new Date(matingDate);
pEnd.setDate(matingDate.getDate() + 14);
var nBox = new Date(matingDate);
nBox.setDate(matingDate.getDate() + 28);
var kDate = new Date(matingDate);
kDate.setDate(matingDate.getDate() + 31);
var kEarly = new Date(matingDate);
kEarly.setDate(matingDate.getDate() + 28);
var kLate = new Date(matingDate);
kLate.setDate(matingDate.getDate() + 33);
// Update Display
document.getElementById("palpationStart").innerHTML = formatDate(pStart);
document.getElementById("palpationEnd").innerHTML = formatDate(pEnd);
document.getElementById("nestBoxDate").innerHTML = formatDate(nBox);
document.getElementById("kindlingDate").innerHTML = formatDate(kDate);
document.getElementById("kindlingRange").innerHTML = formatDate(kEarly) + " to " + formatDate(kLate);
// Show Results
resultsArea.style.display = "block";
// Logic for current status
var today = new Date();
today.setHours(0,0,0,0);
var diffDays = Math.floor((today – matingDate) / (1000 * 60 * 60 * 24));
if (diffDays >= 0 && diffDays <= 33) {
alertBox.style.display = "block";
alertBox.innerHTML = "Current Status: Your rabbit is approximately " + diffDays + " days into her pregnancy.";
} else if (diffDays > 33) {
alertBox.style.display = "block";
alertBox.innerHTML = "Warning: It has been " + diffDays + " days since mating. If she hasn't kindled, consult a vet.";
} else {
alertBox.style.display = "none";
}
}