Rabbit Gestation Period Calculator

Rabbit Gestation Period Calculator

Standard gestation for most breeds is 31 days (range 28-35).

Breeding Schedule Results

Expected Kindling Date:

Palpation Window (Day 10-14):

Provide Nest Box (Day 27):

*Dates are estimates based on provided breeding data.

function calculateRabbitDates() { var inputDate = document.getElementById('breedingDate').value; var gDays = parseInt(document.getElementById('gestationDays').value); if (!inputDate) { alert("Please select a mating date."); return; } var breedingDateObj = new Date(inputDate); // Adjust for timezone offset to ensure date is accurate to user input var breedingDate = new Date(breedingDateObj.getTime() + breedingDateObj.getTimezoneOffset() * 60000); // Calculate Kindling Date var kindlingDate = new Date(breedingDate); kindlingDate.setDate(breedingDate.getDate() + gDays); // Calculate Palpation Start (Day 10) var palpStart = new Date(breedingDate); palpStart.setDate(breedingDate.getDate() + 10); // Calculate Palpation End (Day 14) var palpEnd = new Date(breedingDate); palpEnd.setDate(breedingDate.getDate() + 14); // Calculate Nest Box Date (Day 27) var nestBoxDate = new Date(breedingDate); nestBoxDate.setDate(breedingDate.getDate() + 27); var options = { weekday: 'long', year: 'numeric', month: 'long', day: 'numeric' }; var shortOptions = { month: 'short', day: 'numeric', year: 'numeric' }; document.getElementById('kindlingDateOutput').innerText = kindlingDate.toLocaleDateString(undefined, options); document.getElementById('palpationDateOutput').innerText = palpStart.toLocaleDateString(undefined, shortOptions) + " to " + palpEnd.toLocaleDateString(undefined, shortOptions); document.getElementById('nestBoxDateOutput').innerText = nestBoxDate.toLocaleDateString(undefined, options); document.getElementById('rabbitResult').style.display = 'block'; }

Understanding the Rabbit Gestation Period

Managing a rabbit breeding program requires precision and careful timing. The average rabbit gestation period is 31 days, though healthy litters can be born anywhere between 28 and 35 days after successful mating. If a doe (female rabbit) has not kindled by day 32, it is important to monitor her closely, and by day 35, veterinary consultation may be required.

Key Milestones During Pregnancy

• Palpation (Days 10-14): This is the most reliable way to confirm pregnancy. An experienced breeder can gently feel the abdomen for grape-sized embryos. Be extremely careful, as rough handling can cause miscarriage.
• Increased Nutrition (Day 20+): During the final third of the pregnancy, the doe's nutritional needs increase. Provide high-quality alfalfa hay and slightly increase pellet portions.
• Nest Box Insertion (Day 27-28): Place a clean nest box filled with wood shavings and straw into the hutch. This gives the doe time to get comfortable and begin "fur pulling" to line the nest.

Realistic Example of a Breeding Timeline

Event	Date Calculation
Mating Date	May 1st
Pregnancy Check (Palpation)	May 11th – May 15th
Provide Nest Box	May 28th
Expected Kindling	June 1st

Signs of Impending Kindling

As the expected date approaches, you may notice "nesting" behavior. The doe will carry mouthfuls of hay or straw and eventually pull fur from her dewlap and belly to line the nest. This behavior usually occurs within 24 hours of birth. Most rabbits kindle in the early morning hours to ensure a quiet environment.