A rabbit gestation calculator is a tool that allows you to estimate the due date for a pregnant doe based on the date she was bred.

To use a bunny gestation calculator, you simply input the breeding date. The calculator will then add 31-33 days to that date to predict the kindling date range.

• Months – The gestation period for rabbits is approximately 1 month long. Specifically, it averages 31-33 days from conception to birth. This is about 1.03 months in total on average.
• Weeks – Rabbit’s pregnancy lasts about 4-5 weeks. The average is 4.4 weeks from breeding to kindling.
• Days – The typical rabbit gestation is 31-33 days long. This can vary by a few days in either direction:
  • Minimum gestation: 30 days
  • Average gestation: 32 days
  • Maximum gestation: 35 days

Knowing when a doe rabbit is due to give birth can be extremely helpful for rabbit breeders and owners.

Since the gestation period for rabbits is short, just 31-33 days, it’s important to track dates and have an idea of when kindling will occur.

Rabbit Gestation Calculator

Use this gestation calculator to find out when is your bunny due.

Rabbit Species	Gestation (Days)	Gestation (Weeks)	Gestation (Months)
Domestic Rabbit	31-33	4-5	1
European Rabbit	30-32	4-4.5	1
Pygmy Rabbit	27-29	3.5-4	0.9
Amami Rabbit	30-32	4-4.5	1
Volcano Rabbit	30-31	4-4.5	1
Riverine Rabbit	32-34	4.5-5	1
Swamp Rabbit	31-33	4-5	1
Desert Cottontail	28-30	4	0.9
New England Cottontail	28-30	4	0.9
European Hare	41-47	6-7	1.5
Arctic Hare	50	7	1.6

Rabbit Gestation Formula

Due Date = Breeding Date + 31 days

To use this formula:

• Take the date the doe was successfully bred. This is the start date of gestation.
• Add 31 days to this breeding date. This gives you the estimated due date.

For example:

Breeding Date: February 15

Due Date = February 15 + 31 days = March 18

The estimated due date would be March 18th using this formula.

Some key points about this formula:

• It uses the average 31 day gestation period to calculate the due date.
• The actual gestation length may be 30-33 days, so the due date is an estimate.
• Be sure to use calendar days, not month lengths, for accurate dating.
• You can add 32 or 33 days instead of 31 if that better fits your herd’s history.
• It provides a ballpark due date to prepare for kindling. Actual birth may be a few days earlier or later.
• Monitor the doe closely near her due date for signs of labor.

This simple rabbit gestation formula provides a fast way to calculate the kindling due date once you have recorded the breeding date. By estimating the due date, you can better plan and prepare for the arrival of a new litter.

Benefits of Rabbit Gestation Calculator

There are several reasons why a rabbit gestation calculator is a useful tool for those breeding and raising rabbits:

• Predict kindling timeframe – As mentioned, it allows you to estimate when the doe is due to give birth based on breeding dates. This can help you prepare the nest box, supplies, and schedule.
• Prepare for litter size – Some calculators estimate litter size which allows you to get supplies ready for the number of expected kits.
• Track breeding dates – Entering breeding dates into the calculator provides a place to track and store this important information.
• Identify issues – If the doe goes more than 35 days past the estimated due date, it may indicate pregnancy issues or a false pregnancy. The calculator helps identify this.
• Plan ahead – Knowing roughly when to expect new kits allows you to plan ahead and adjust your schedule as needed. This can be especially useful for rabbit breeders.

Having the ability to quickly calculate conception and project a kindling timeline is very useful for monitoring rabbit pregnancies. The estimators help take the guesswork out of predicting due dates.

How to Use a Rabbit Gestation Calculator

Using a rabbit gestation calculator is very straightforward. Here are the simple steps:

1. Enter the breeding date – Input the date the doe was successfully bred. This serves as the start date for the pregnancy timeframe estimate.
2. View estimated kindling date range – The calculator will automatically add 31-33 days to the breeding date. This provides the estimated window for when kindling will occur.
3. Mark your calendar – Make note of the projected kindling dates on your calendar. This allows you to monitor the doe and prepare for labor and arrival of kits.
4. Plan, observe, and prepare – Use the dates to make preparations for the litter, such as supplying the nest box, food, housing arrangements, veterinary needs, and anything else required to care for the doe and kits.
5. Track actual birth date – Once the doe gives birth, note the actual kindling date. Compare it to the estimated range to see if your prediction was accurate.

Following these steps each time you breed a doe will allow you to maximize the usefulness of the rabbit gestation calculator for your herd.

Rabbit Gestation Calendar

Here is kindling calendar for a doe named Daisy who was bred on February 1st:

Date	Gestation Day	Events & Notes
February 1	Breeding Day	Daisy bred with buck
February 7	Day 6
February 14	Day 13
February 21	Day 20
February 25	Day 24	Offer nesting box
February 28	Day 27	Observe nesting behaviors
March 2	Day 30	Kindling expected
March 3-5	Days 31-33	Monitor closely for labor
March 4	Day 32	Daisy gave birth to 6 kits

Tracking key dates, milestones, and notes can help ensure successful litters. Adjust calendar as needed for each breeding doe.

Rabbit Gestation Period Chart

Gestation Day	Stage of Pregnancy	Signs & Development
0	Breeding/Conception	Fertilization occurs, eggs implant in uterus
1-7	Implantation	Embryos implant in uterine horn
8-14	Early Gestation	Embryos develop basic organs and structures
15-21	Mid Gestation	Sex organs differentiate, fetal rabbits grow fur, bones, and teeth
22-28	Late Gestation	Kits develop vision, hearing, gain weight rapidly
29-30	Pre-Kindling	Hormones prepare doe’s body for labor, mammary glands enlarge
31-33	Kindling	Doe exhibits nesting behaviors, gives birth to litter
34-35	Post-Kindling	Doe recovers, produces milk, cares for newborn kits

Key Things to Note:

• Implantation occurs 6-12 hours after breeding
• Most fetal development happens in mid to late gestation
• Nesting behaviors and mammary development in final week
• Average kindling around day 31-33 after breeding
• Doe remains protective of kits for 1-2 weeks after birthing

Rabbits Gestation Period Facts

These are some key facts and figures to understand about the rabbit gestation period:

• Average length – The average gestation period for rabbits is 31 days, ranging from 30-33 days.
• Conception – Ovulation occurs during mating, so conception happens on the same day of breeding.
• Implantation – The fertilized eggs implant in the uterine horns about 6-12 hours after mating.
• Early signs – Nesting behavior, fur pulling, appetite changes occur about 25 days into pregnancy.
• Pseudopregnancy – A false pregnancy lasts 16-18 days from the breeding date. Helpful to track dates to identify this.
• Premature kits – Kits born before 30 days have a very low survival rate.
• Late litters – Kindling after day 35 could indicate issues like a hormone imbalance.

Tracking gestation periods with a calculator can help identify many of these scenarios early for better management.

Alternative Methods to Know Bunny Pregnancy Period

Here are some alternative methods that can be used to estimate the due date for a pregnant rabbit doe:

• Calendar method – Mark the breeding date on a calendar. Count out 31-33 days to estimate the due date range. This allows you to visually track the gestation timeline.
• Recordkeeping – Document the breeding date and projected kindling date on paper or in software. Track actual birth dates when they occur. Review records to establish date patterns.
• Observation – Watch for physical and behavioral changes like nesting, fur pulling, enlarged nipples around 25 days past breeding. This can provide clues the due date is approaching.
• Palpation – Experienced breeders may carefully palpate the abdomen 14+ days after breeding to try and feel embryos. This is difficult and risks are high. Ultrasound is better.
• Ultrasound – Veterinarians can perform ultrasound around day 14-16 of gestation to count and see developing fetuses. This gives the most accurate due date estimate.
• Blood tests – Blood tests that check hormone levels like progesterone can help confirm pregnancy and estimate stage. These are usually done between days 18-25.
• X-rays – Abdominal x-rays late in pregnancy may visualize fetal skeletons. Expertise is needed to count fetuses and determine stage.

While calendar calculations are most common, methods like palpation, ultrasound, and blood tests can also help predict due dates and monitor rabbit pregnancies. Tracking observable changes is useful too.

FAQs

How long is rabbit gestation?

What is the gestation period of a rabbit? Rabbit pregnancy typically lasts 31-33 days on average. The most common gestation length is 32 days from breeding to kindling. But the normal range is 30-35 days.

How many weeks does a rabbit stay pregnant?

The gestation period for rabbits is about 4-5 weeks. More precisely, it averages about 4.4 weeks or 31-33 days from conception to birth.

How do you calculate a rabbit’s pregnancy?

You can use this simple formula:

Breeding date + 31 days = Due date

Add 31 days (average gestation length) to the breeding date to estimate the due date. The actual birth may vary by a few days.

Do rabbits give birth on day 28?

No, rabbits very rarely give birth on day 28. Kindling usually occurs between days 30-35, with the average being day 31-33. Delivering on day 28 would be considered premature.

What is the longest gestation period for a rabbit?

The longest normal rabbit gestation is 35 days from breeding to delivery. Going longer than 35 days often indicates a problem like pregnancy complications or false pregnancy.

When should I put the nest box in?

Provide a nest box with bedding about 1-2 weeks prior to the expected kindling date. The doe’s natural nesting instincts will kick in around day 25.

Do rabbits have morning sickness?

Yes, some does exhibit decreased appetite and lethargy during the early stages of pregnancy due to hormonal changes. Ensure she is eating enough fiber.

How many times can a rabbit get pregnant in a year?

Does can safely get pregnant up to 7 times per year with 1-2 months rest between litters. Avoid breeding more than this to prevent health risks.

Can you palpate a pregnant rabbit?

Yes, an experienced vet or breeder can carefully palpate the abdomen 14 days after breeding to potentially feel implanted embryos. But palpation risks are high, so ultrasound is better.

When should I separate pregnant does?

Separate does from bucks and other rabbits about 7-14 days after breeding. Keep the expectant mother isolated in her own safe, comfortable environment as her due date approaches.