How Can Rabbit Beginners Tell If a Doe Is Pregnant?

1 Overview

How to Tell If a Doe Is Pregnant

1. Test with a buck

About 4 days after mating, place the doe in the buck’s cage briefly. If she coos and refuses him, she is likely pregnant. This method is inexact; confirm another way.

2. Stroke the doe

A pregnant doe often refuses stroking. Around 4-5 days after mating, if she coos or resists when you approach or touch her, she is likely pregnant; observe her usual behavior.

3. Watch for nest-building (hay pulling)

6-7 days after mating, if she pulls hay from the rack into the cage and piles it, she is pregnant – common pre-birth nesting. But tell apart a false pregnancy, which shows the same signs.

4. Watch for floor-scratching

Around 7 days after mating, a pregnant doe shows nesting instinct, scratching the cage floor on and off to prepare for birth.

5. Watch for rising food and water intake

Around 9 days after mating, a pregnant doe eats more than usual; as the fetuses grow, appetite and thirst rise, so intake increases.

6. Watch coat sheen

Around 10 days, coat sheen increases, sharply at first; after 20 days the coat is shiny and the roots loose, easy to pull for nesting. The udder also secretes a little milk. This method is fairly accurate but appears late; early confirmation decides whether to re-mate for higher rate.

7. Check the vulva

About 7 days after mating, the vulva takes a cherry shape if pregnant; if not, or if estrus signs appear, she is not pregnant. Combine with nesting behavior.

8. Check body size and weight

Around 20 days, the growing fetuses enlarge the rear abdomen and weight rises clearly; measure to judge.

9. Fetal palpation

The most effective method is palpation, but it needs experience and skill; beginners must not palpate randomly, to avoid harm or even miscarriage.

The above is our detailed guide to detecting pregnancy; beginners should learn it to help with breeding.