My Rabbit is Making a Nest

by Jen
(Clearfield, PA)

My girl rabbit's making a nest, but there's no fur. When will she start to lose fur and have babies?

***Karen Sez***
Well, assuming she's pregnant, count forward 31 or 32 days from the breeding date. THAT's when she'll have the bunnies. (Some does can delay their delivery a few days longer than this, and very rarely they kindle a day or two early; that's why we say get the nest into the cage by Day 28 and give her till day 35 before deciding she tricked you.) If you've provided the nest and nesting materials, the doe will pull her own fur off her body and line the nest with it.

The doe's instincts will tell her when it is time. You'll see bald spots on some does, and on others, it'll be hard to tell where the fur came from. But no problem - as long as the bunnies, when they arrive, are snug, warm and well-fed, all will be well.
K