Reproductive behaviours

Behaviours associated with rabbits’ need to reproduce

 

Binkying • Chasing • Circling • Fur pulling • Honking • Mounting • Nesting • Spraying urine • Thumping

 

Behaviours summary

Rabbits have a reputation for prolific breeding, hence the expression ‘to breed like rabbits’. In the wild, this is essential, as rabbits are prey for many other animals, and need to maintain their numbers. Populations are usually kept in check by predation and other risks such as road traffic, disease, and shooting.

Bucks reach sexual maturity at around 4 months. Does can become pregnant when they are around 3 months old, and can conceive at any time of year (although they breed mainly in spring and summer, due to climate and food availability).

 During courtship, males display their agility and speed. Scattering droppings and scent marking is performed to attract females and establish a hierarchy among competing males. Other behaviours for communicating an intention to mate include binkying, chasing, circling, grooming, honking, mounting, and thumping. The buck will have his tail raised. Bucks may also claim a doe by spraying urine.

If the doe becomes pregnant (or has a pseudopregnancy), she will begin nesting (usually in a dead-end burrow – nesting chamber), collecting grass and straw, and fur pulling to line the nest. A doe’s gestation period is 28-31 days, and the average litter size is 6, although there can be up to 14 kittens (baby rabbits – also known as kits). New-born kits weigh about 30-35g, and are altricial – hairless, blind, and deaf. The doe’s milk is very rich, so the kits only need to nurse twice a day, for a few minutes each time, usually at dawn and dusk. This helps to reduce the chance of predators discovering them. At 8 days, they usually have fur, and by day 10 their eyes are open. After a fortnight, they emerge from the burrow. The kits are fully weaned at around 4-6 weeks old.

Rabbits can become pregnant straight after giving birth, meaning that they could produce up to 13 litters per year.

Rabbits are prolific breeders – Magic was one of a litter of 9!
(Now, of course, we would always adopt, not go to a breeder for a rabbit)

Without neutering, domestic rabbits are also prolific breeders. A doe can produce many offspring per year, and bucks will persistently try to mate. It’s essential to ensure baby domestic rabbits are sexed properly, and that all pet rabbits are neutered. 

Occasionally, even neutered pet rabbits may start nesting. This can be caused by ‘spring fever’ – neutering rabbits doesn’t eliminate all hormones, so some hormonal behaviours may continue, especially with the arrival of spring.