Breeding and Reproduction of Rabbits

Did you Know? 

Rabbit breeds of medium to large size are sexually mature at 4 to 4.5 months, giant breeds at 6 to 9 months, and small breeds (such as the Polish Dwarf and Dutch) at 3.5 to 4 months of age. The release of eggs in female rabbits is triggered by sexual intercourse, not by a cycle of hormones as in humans. The rabbit has a cycle of mating receptivity; rabbits are receptive to mating about 14 of every 16 days. 

Pregnancy lasts about 31 to 33 days. Does with a small litter (usually 4 or fewer kits) seem to have longer pregnancies than those that produce larger litters. If a doe has not given birth by day 32 of her pregnancy, your veterinarian may induce labor; otherwise, a dead litter may be delivered sometime after day 34. Occasionally, pregnant does abort or reabsorb the fetuses because of nutritional deficiencies or disease.

It's a Fact that!

Rabbit kits are born naked, blind, and deaf. They begin to show hair a few days after birth, and their eyes and ears are open by day 10.