If you’re a bunny owner and are hoping to breed them, you’re likely to have lots of questions about rabbits mating. At what age are rabbits sexually mature? How do rabbits mate? Do rabbits get pregnant every time they mate? It's time to find out as we get into the ins and outs of rabbit mating.

At What Age Do Rabbits Sexually Mature?

A rabbit’s sexual maturity age varies between rabbit breeds but is around 4-5 months of age in females and 5-8 months in males. Small breeds are sexually mature earlier than larger, giant breeds, that means that your rabbit can get pregnant from as young as 4 months. So, it’s best to keep opposite sexes apart until you’re ready to breed them. If you don’t plan to breed your rabbits, it’s best to get them neutered at an early age.

Keep in mind that rabbits get lonely if they don’t have a companion.

Female rabbits (does) are reflex ovulators. This means that rabbits don’t have a set oestrous cycle, instead ovulation will occur 9-12 hours after mating. Receptive periods are when the doe is likely to let a male rabbit mate with her. They usually last for 12-14 days, followed by 2-4 days of non-receptivity.

This can vary and some does are more receptive during the breeding seasons (January to October). Female rabbits can come into season more than 10 times a year and could have a litter of rabbits almost constantly throughout her life. A sexually mature male rabbit (buck) can mate at any time.

What Happens When My Rabbits Are Ready to Mate?

When your rabbits are sexually mature, in good physical condition, and you’re ready to mate them, it’s time to introduce them to each other. Does are more territorial than bucks, so mating should either be done in the buck's cage or in neutral territory to avoid aggressive behaviour.

You’ll know if the female rabbit is receptive to mating as she’ll be very active, rub her chin on objects and flatten her back while raising her pelvis to present her genitals to the male. Rabbit sexual behaviour can also include a humming or buzzing noise. Her vulva will change to a reddish-purple and be moist – usually it’s a whitish-pink with no moisture. She may also flick her tail to spread the smell of her pheromones.

The male rabbit will chase the doe and sniff, lick, and nuzzle her. They’ll groom each other and the male rabbit may urinate on the female. If the doe is receptive, an experienced male rabbit will mate with the female within seconds to minutes of being introduced.

The rabbit mating act is a quick process. When ready, the breeding buck rabbit will mount the female rabbit and vigorously thrust. He may then fall backwards or sideways and vocalise. After this, the two rabbits will resume normal activity as if nothing has happened.

If the female rabbit is non-receptive, the male rabbit will sense this and will try to change her mind. But if he is unsuccessful, remove the doe and wait a few days before trying again.

How to Tell If Rabbit Mating Is Successful

Pregnant rabbits will start to show signs within 14 days. You’ll likely notice behavioural changes as she becomes defensive and territorial. She may growl and refuse to be stroked. Within 24 days of mating, you’ll notice enlargement of her nipples.

The female rabbit builds a nest when she is pregnant, usually 2-3 days before birth. This involves burrowing and lining the nest with fur she has pulled out from her flanks, dewlap and belly. This also exposes her nipples ready for nursing. Nest boxes are available to buy, or you can build one, to provide your rabbit and her kits with a cosy hideout.

Rabbits are pregnant for around 30 days and litter sizes range from 4-12 kits (baby rabbits). Birth (referred to as kindling) is usually quick, lasting no more than 30 minutes, and happens early in the morning. Assistance with rabbit labour is extremely rare, and you should avoid disturbing the doe.

After an initial check of each kits’ physical condition, leave them and the mother alone for a few days to prevent causing any distress that may have an impact on their care. Disturbance can cause an increase in the death rate (usually relatively low) as the doe will abandon her litter or kill them if she feels there’s a threat from predators.

What Is a Pseudopregnancy?

A pseudopregnancy is a false pregnancy – this is where the female rabbit believes and responds as if she is pregnant, but she isn’t. She will show signs of being pregnant like nest building, fur pulling, nipple enlargement, and aggressive behaviour for about 18 days, when she will then return to her normal self.

Pseudopregnancies can be caused by female rabbits mounting each other or being caged near a sexually mature buck, which induces ovulation. It’s common in sexually mature intact female rabbits that are housed with other rabbits. In most cases, no harm is caused to the rabbit, but it can cause aggression towards their rabbit companions and owner which may result in injuries.

It can also affect their appetite and lead to stress, which may result in secondary health issues. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns. There’s no treatment, but false pregnancies can be prevented by neutering.

The Benefits of Neutering

If you no longer plan to breed you rabbit, it’s time to consider getting them neutered. The obvious benefit to neutering rabbits is no unwanted pregnancies, and the stress of having to rehome them all. But there are also many health benefits to consider.

Neutered rabbits have a longer life expectancy, mostly due to a decreased risk of developing certain cancers. 80% of unneutered female rabbits develop uterine cancer before the age of 5. Female rabbits are also less at risk from uterine problems such as pseudopregnancy, endometrial cysts, hydrometra, pyometra, and pregnancy toxaemia. Most of which can be fatal conditions.

Other benefits of neutering include rabbits being easier to train, having a nicer and calmer temperament, and being less likely to display territorial or aggressive behaviour. Speak to your vet for more information on getting your rabbits neutered.

Breeding rabbits can be quick and easy, as long as the female is receptive. Owners should have minimal involvement. Successful mating can lead to large litters, so make sure you have the space and a plan for when the kits grow. When rabbits are sexually active, they will mate with anyone even their siblings and parents, so you’ll need to separate them or get them neutered without delay! 

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your young rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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