Rabbit Gestation Calculator

Calculate Kindling Date

Understanding Rabbit Gestation

Rabbit Pregnancy Duration

The average gestation period for rabbits is 31 days (approximately one month), with normal range from 28 to 35 days depending on breed size and litter size. Small breeds often kindle (give birth) around 29-31 days, medium breeds at 30-32 days, and large breeds at 31-33 days. Does carrying large litters may kindle 1-2 days early, while those with small litters may go to day 33-34. Most does kindle within 1 day of day 31 when accurately bred.

Factors Affecting Gestation Length

Breed Size: Small breeds (Netherland Dwarf, Polish) tend toward 29-31 days. Medium breeds (Dutch, Mini Rex, Holland Lop) average 30-32 days. Large breeds (New Zealand, Californian, Flemish Giant) typically 31-33 days. Litter Size: Large litters (8+ kits) may cause earlier kindling. Small litters (1-3 kits) may extend to day 33-34. Doe Age: First-time mothers sometimes kindle 1 day earlier than experienced does. Nutrition: Poor nutrition can cause premature kindling or reabsorption. Stress: High stress may trigger early kindling or pregnancy loss.

Rabbit Pregnancy Stages

Signs of Impending Kindling

Days 25-27 (Final Week)

• Increased Appetite: Doe eats significantly more as kits grow rapidly
• Abdominal Enlargement: Belly visibly larger, sides bulge when viewed from above
• Behavioral Changes: Doe becomes territorial, may growl or lunge when approached
• Nesting Box Exploration: Doe investigates and arranges nesting material if box provided
• Reduced Activity: Less hopping around, spends more time resting

Days 28-30 (24-48 Hours Before)

• Nest Building: Doe actively arranges hay and bedding in nesting box
• Fur Pulling: Doe pulls fur from dewlap, chest, and sides to line nest—most reliable sign of imminent kindling
• Appetite Loss: Many does stop eating 12-24 hours before kindling
• Restlessness: Doe paces, enters and exits nesting box repeatedly
• Isolation: Doe seeks quiet corner or stays in nesting box

Kindling (Active Birth)

• Occurs at Night: Most does kindle in early morning hours (3-7 AM)
• Very Rapid: Entire litter usually born within 15-30 minutes
• Doe Squats: Brief squatting position, minimal visible straining
• Licks Kits: Doe licks kits clean, stimulates breathing
• Covers Nest: Doe covers kits with pulled fur after birth
• Eats Placenta: Normal behavior—doe consumes afterbirth

Pregnancy Management by Stage

Days 0-14 (Early Pregnancy)

Nutrition: Continue normal feeding—good quality pellets (1/4-1/2 cup daily depending on size), unlimited grass hay, fresh water. Avoid sudden diet changes that could affect implantation. Housing: Keep doe in her regular cage—familiar environment reduces stress. Separate from bucks immediately after breeding. Handling: Minimize handling during first two weeks to avoid disturbing implantation. Breeding Verification: Reintroduce doe to buck at day 14—if pregnant, she'll refuse mating aggressively.

Days 15-24 (Mid Pregnancy)

Nutrition: Gradually increase pellet ration as appetite increases. Pregnant does need 50-75% more food than maintenance. Ensure constant access to fresh water—hydration critical for milk production preparation. Pregnancy Check: Experienced breeders can gently palpate abdomen at day 10-14 to feel marble-sized embryos. If unsure about pregnancy, wait until day 24-25 when abdomen visibly enlarged. Exercise: Allow normal activity—exercise important for muscle tone needed for kindling and maternal care.

Days 25-31 (Late Pregnancy & Kindling)

Nesting Box: Place clean nesting box in cage on day 27-28 (no earlier or doe may use as toilet, no later or she may kindle on wire). Fill with clean wood shavings and hay. Box should be dark, enclosed, and slightly larger than doe. Nutrition: Free-feed pellets and hay—doe eating for 6-12 developing kits. Many does go off feed day before kindling—normal. Environment: Provide quiet, calm environment. Remove toys or obstacles that might distract from nest building. Monitoring: Check doe morning and evening for signs of kindling but don't disturb excessively.

Nesting Box Preparation

When to Provide Nesting Box

Day 27-28: Place nesting box in cage. Providing too early (before day 27) leads to doe using box as litter area. Providing too late (after day 29) may result in doe kindling on wire floor without proper nest. Day 28 is ideal for most breeds.

Nesting Box Requirements

• Size: Should be slightly larger than doe lying on side. Too large and doe won't feel secure; too small and she can't turn around. Typical: 18"L x 10"W x 10"H for medium breeds
• Design: Solid bottom and sides, one open side for entry. Roof optional but helpful. Dark, enclosed space triggers nesting instinct
• Bedding: 2-3 inches wood shavings (avoid cedar/pine—use aspen or kiln-dried), topped with generous layer of grass hay or straw. Doe will arrange and add pulled fur
• Placement: Secure box in corner of cage so it doesn't tip. Should fit snugly so doe feels secure
• Cleanliness: Box must be clean and dry. Dirty boxes increase risk of infection

Kindling Process

Normal Kindling

Rabbit kindling is typically very fast and requires no assistance. Most does kindle in early morning hours (2-7 AM) when environment is quiet. Process: Doe enters nesting box, delivers entire litter within 15-30 minutes (occasionally up to 1 hour). Kits born in amniotic sac which doe breaks open. Doe licks kits clean, stimulates breathing. Afterbirth delivered and consumed. Doe covers kits with pulled fur and leaves nest. Normal litter size: 4-12 kits depending on breed (small breeds 3-6, large breeds 8-12).

Post-Kindling Check

Wait 2-4 hours after kindling before checking nest to avoid disturbing doe. Check calmly—many does tolerate nest checks well if done gently. Remove any dead kits or placentas. Count live kits. Check for warmth—healthy kits are warm, pink, and squirming. Ensure nest well-covered with fur. If kits scattered outside nest box, gently return them. Does nurse once or twice daily (usually dawn and dusk), spending minimal time in nest otherwise—this is normal, not neglect.

Newborn Kit Care

• Temperature Critical: Kits born hairless, require warm nest. Nest should be well-insulated with pulled fur. Cold kits appear bluish, inactive—rewarm gradually before returning to nest
• Nursing Verification: Check kits at 24 hours—well-fed kits have round, full bellies (milk visible through thin skin). Underfed kits have wrinkled skin, sunken bellies—may need supplemental feeding
• Eyes Closed: Kits born with eyes closed, open at day 10-12. Ears also closed initially, open around same time
• Development: Fur appears day 3-5. Kits begin hopping out of nest box at day 18-21. Begin eating solid food at 3 weeks while still nursing
• Weaning: Kits typically weaned at 8 weeks, though can survive from 6 weeks. Separate from doe at 8 weeks to prevent rebreeding stress

Complications & Problems

Rabbit Breeding Considerations

Post-Kindling Fertility

Does can conceive immediately after kindling—even the same day. This is called "post-partum breeding" and was historically used to maximize production. However, back-to-back pregnancies stress does and reduce kit survival. Most breeders wait at least 35-42 days (until kits weaned at 8 weeks) before rebreeding. Good practice: Allow doe to recover for 2-4 weeks after weaning before next breeding.

Breeding Frequency

Maximum sustainable: 4-5 litters per year with adequate recovery periods. Intensive: Some commercial operations breed every 42 days (6-week breeding cycle), though this stresses does. Recommended: 3-4 litters per year allows does adequate recovery, maintains health, and ensures better kit quality. Does over 3 years old should be bred less frequently or retired to prevent complications.

Common Questions

How long are rabbits pregnant?

Rabbits are pregnant for approximately 31 days (range 28-35 days depending on breed and litter size). Small breeds typically kindle at 29-31 days, medium breeds at 30-32 days, and large breeds at 31-33 days. Most does kindle within 1 day of day 31 when breeding date is accurately recorded. Gestation is remarkably consistent compared to other livestock—prepare nesting box on day 27-28 for best results.

When should I put the nesting box in?

Place the nesting box in the doe's cage on day 27-28 of pregnancy. Providing too early (before day 27) leads to does using the box as a toilet box. Providing too late (after day 29) risks the doe kindling on the wire floor without a proper nest. Day 28 is the ideal timing for most breeds. Fill box with 2-3 inches of clean wood shavings topped with generous hay layer. Doe will add pulled fur 1-2 days before kindling.

How many babies do rabbits have?

Average litter size varies by breed: Small breeds (Netherland Dwarf, Polish) typically have 3-6 kits. Medium breeds (Dutch, Mini Rex, Holland Lop) average 4-8 kits. Large breeds (New Zealand, Californian, Flemish Giant) commonly have 8-12 kits. First-time mothers usually have smaller litters (3-6 kits). Experienced does of productive breeds can have 12-14 kits though 6-8 is more manageable for adequate nursing and kit development.

Can you tell if a rabbit is pregnant?

Yes, several methods: Behavioral rebreeding test (day 14—present doe to buck; pregnant does refuse aggressively), palpation (day 10-14—experienced breeders feel marble-sized embryos in abdomen), visual observation (day 20+—abdominal enlargement visible), weight gain (pregnant does gain 0.5-1 pound), nest building (day 28-30—doe pulls fur and builds nest). Most reliable: Palpation by experienced person at day 12-14, or simply wait until day 28 and observe nest-building behavior.

Why did my rabbit not build a nest?

Several reasons: First-time mother (young does sometimes lack maternal instinct), nesting box provided too early or too late, doe not actually pregnant (false pregnancy causes some nest building), nutritional deficiency, high stress environment, or genetic lack of maternal instinct. Solutions: Ensure box provided day 27-28, verify pregnancy through palpation, provide quiet environment, ensure adequate nutrition. If doe doesn't build nest by day 30 but appears pregnant, add nest material and pulled fur from other does. Some does pull fur after kindling—still adequate if done within hours of birth.

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Our calculator uses the standard 31-day gestation period to provide precise kindling date predictions, helping rabbit breeders plan pregnancies and prepare nesting boxes at optimal timing for successful births.