Rabbit Birth..Kindling

KINDLING

Kindling is a fancy word that means, "give birth".

Most rabbits will kindle 31 days after mating, but it could occur as early as day 26 or as late as day 35. While your doe is pregnant, you should try to keep her as stress free as possible. Don't make drastic changes in her daily routine. Strange sounds, people, or odors could make the doe feel threatened causing her to react in panic. During kindling the doe should be left with no distract or interruptions unless it is necessary.

On the 28th day after mating you will need to put in a nest box with bedding materials in the does cage. She will use the bedding to build her nest in the box. She will scoop up an amazing amount of hay in her mouth and construct things just so. To this she will add hair that she pulls from her own under side. When you see your doe has pulled hair to line her nest, you can be sure kindling will follow soon after.

Rabbits only take about 15 minutes to actually give birth. So you need to be very observant to witness this miracle. It is very important that you not disturb her at this point. If you do get luck and catch her in the act you will see her hunched forward (hopefully in the box) with her nose down between her back legs. Sometimes you can see or hear her chewing through the umbilical cord, eating the placenta and licking the new kit (baby) clean.

When the doe has finished she will usually jump out of the nestbox. This is the time to check mom and nest box. Check the doe's vent area (genitalia) for signs of excessive bleeding or stuck fetuses. Usually the area is red and swollen but should improve rapidly with time. Now you will want to check the nest box. You should remove any dead kits or remaining after-birth. If the doe has already nursed the kits they will have big frog bellies. Sometimes a doe will wait several hours before she nurses the kits for the first time so don't panic if they don't appear full. Just check the kits again in 8 hours or so. If the kits still haven't nursed then you may need to think about fostering to another doe. If no foster doe is available your only option is to hand feed, but this can be a discouraging experience.

Be sure to check on the doe and litter once day for the first few days just to be sure everything is going well.

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