54 DISEASES OF RABBITS 



day. One mating only should be allowed. Old 

 does which are moulting in August, September 

 or October, as a rule, will not come in estrum 

 unless fed an increased protein ration and the 

 diet considerably increased. 



Period of Gestation 



The length of gestation is thirty to thirty- 

 one days and many does begin to make their 

 bed about a fortnight before parturition is due. 

 When signs of the desire to make the bed are 

 seen, a nest box and a liberal supply of hay 

 should be provided and the animals not inter- 

 fered with. Signs of bed-making a few days 

 after service is an indication that conception 

 has not taken place, and the doe should at once 

 be reintroduced to the buck. During gestation 

 the usual routine of hutch cleaning, etc., should 

 be carried on and as long as the nest is not in- 

 terfered with the doe will not be disturbed by 

 such measures even when the litter has arrived. 



Treatment of the Expectant Mother 



No special treatment is required for the first 

 fortnight, but from that time on the enceinte 

 doe should receive a more generous and con- 

 centrated nitrogenous diet. Roots should be 

 given with extreme moderation, but grass in 

 summer may be given ad lib. In winter cab- 

 bage leaves must be substituted for the grass, 

 but care must be taken to see4;hat they are not 



