FAQ: Breeding Rabbits

How long is the gestation period?
The length of pregnancy varies between 28 and 34 days, but is largely reckoned to be 31 days. Add 12 hours to this for larger breeds. Young rabbits (kittens) are normally born at night and litters can reach up to 24 on rare occasions, although between 5 and 12 is more common.

How do I know that the young are healthy?
Kittens could weigh 30g or less for small breeds or large litters or up to 70g from a large breed or small litter. Kittens are born helpless with no fur and with their eyes and ears closed. By the end of the first week the fur will begin to grow, sometimes a little fur is apparent even after 2 days. The eyes and ears open by the end of the second week, usually around the tenth day. During the third week the young will begin to leave the nest and to take their first solid food.

How long are the young suckled for?
The usual length of time is around 6 weeks, and possibly as long as 8 weeks.