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The main sign of phantom pregnancy is nesting.
The bunny will start to pluck out the hair on her chest and tummy to build the nest with. In the case of some rabbits they will pull hair out of a bonded mate to nest build also.
You will often see a nesting bunny frantically running around with a mouth full of hay to take to her nest.
If you bunny is nesting without reason (i.e. she has not been bred, she is spayed, she has not had any contact with a male) then you can pretty much be sure it is a phantom pregnancy.
A phantom or false pregnancy can be detected in several ways. If you have not bred your doe you KNOW it is a false pregnancy. If she goes over 32 days it is a false pregnancy. You can palpate at 15 days and if you do not feel babies but she insists on nesting you will know it is a false or phantom pregnancy. A doe having a false pregnancy will nest just like a doe that is pregnant. I have witnessed some that tend to go overboard nearly stripping themselves naked because no babies come. The doe that you determine to be having a phantom or false pregnancy should be bred immediately. There should be no 'bonded mate' for a doe with phantom pregnancy every rabbit should have it's own cage.
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ViviSigns of a phantom pregnancy in a rabbit may include nesting behavior, aggressive or protective behavior towards their environment or objects, weight gain, and even lactation without a true pregnancy. It is important to consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and advice on managing phantom pregnancies in rabbits.
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Two female rabbits displaying mating behavior and nesting could this be a phantom pregnancy?
Yes, it is possible that the female rabbits are experiencing a phantom pregnancy, also known as false pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. This can happen when a female rabbit exhibits nesting behavior and other signs of pregnancy despite not being mated. It is important to monitor the rabbits and consult a veterinarian for guidance if needed.
At what stage in pregnancy can a doe rabbit absorb her kit your rabbit has milk but no signs of babies?
A doe rabbit can absorb her kits at any stage of pregnancy, usually due to stress or health issues. If your rabbit has milk but no signs of babies, it could be a false pregnancy. A vet check is recommended to rule out any underlying health concerns.
What is a phantom pregnancy in a rabbit?
A phantom pregnancy in a rabbit is a condition where the doe (female rabbit) displays behaviors similar to those of a pregnant rabbit, such as nest-building, hair pulling, and weight gain, even though she is not actually pregnant. This can be caused by hormonal imbalances or the presence of a uterine infection.
Your rabbit lives alone but has pulled fur out is the a phantom pregnancy?
Yes, pulling out fur can be a sign of a phantom pregnancy in rabbits. Other signs may include nesting behavior and aggressive behavior towards other rabbits or humans. It is best to consult with a veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate care options for your rabbit.
Can sheep have a phantom pregnancy?
Yes, sheep can exhibit symptoms of a phantom or false pregnancy, where they display signs of being pregnant without actually being pregnant. This can include behaviors such as weight gain, enlarged udders, and nesting behaviors, despite not having been bred or carrying offspring.
