When a rabbit is about to give birth, a process known as kindling, she will primarily focus on creating a secure and private environment for her offspring.
Key Behaviors and Labor Characteristics
As a rabbit prepares for kindling, her instincts guide her actions to ensure the safety and successful delivery of her young.
Nesting and Privacy
- Hiding Away: The most notable behavior is her intense need to find or create a hidden, safe space. She will spend the majority of her time hiding away in her nest, which she typically prepares by pulling fur from her body to line a secluded area. This provides a warm, soft, and secure environment for her impending litter.
- Seeking Solitude: This drive for privacy is crucial for her sense of security during the vulnerable birthing process.
The Birthing Process
- Rapid Labor: Rabbit labor is remarkably quick. The entire process, from the start of contractions to the delivery of all baby rabbits (referred to as kittens), usually lasts no more than 30 minutes.
- Timing of Birth: Most rabbits tend to give birth in the early morning. This timing is likely instinctive, as rabbits feel safest and most undisturbed during these quiet hours.
- Movement During Labor: While she will generally remain hidden and still within her nest throughout the delivery, it is possible for a mother rabbit to emerge and move around between delivering her kittens if she is experiencing difficulty during labor. However, for a straightforward birth, she will typically stay within the confines of her nest.
