Plain Perpetual Palpating Problems

[Mosherd1]

As most of you know, I am new, and tried palpating for the first time today. Noone has ever shown me. I watched the Purina video online but did not seem to help. I am on day 12 and when I try to palpate all that I feel is the meat from the loin. I have heard that I need to get just below the spine but am not sure how to get there. From straight under, or working in from the sides? Any and all help would be much appreciated. Although I am pretty confident she is bred because of the 5 or 6 couplings I would still like to know how to palpate. Thanks again,

[SquashNut]

I've had rabbits for 6 years and still don't get it.

[lonelyfarmgirl]

hold her head/shoulders with left hand from the top. use right hand in a V underneath. start at the rib cage and slowly squeeze into her guts, move towards the rear a bit at a time. I usually palpate at 14-16 days and again at 3 1/2 weeks if Im not sure. The babies will feel like slimy little marbles. Be gentle and don't confuse them with poop. The uteruses run along each side of the guts about halfway between the ribs and groin.

At first, because you are trying blind, you wont get it. but the day you do feel a belly full, you will know and after that it will be easier.

[lonelyfarmgirl]

oops double

[Mosherd1]

Good to know, so it sounds like I should wait a few more days and it might make it a bit easier. I appreciate it.

[scpankow]

Here is a link to a document on the ARBA website that explains really well. One thing I learned is that you really need to palpate a lot of rabbits that AREN'T pregnant before you will learn what pregnant feels like. So practice with your open does and bucks each day. You will get used to what a non-pregnant belly feels like and when you palpate one that IS pregnant, it will be much easier to tell the difference.

[rabbitgeek]

I can't palpate either.

I watch breedings to confirm visually and then write it on the calendar.

See my article for breeding tips.
http://www.rabbitgeek.com/breedingtips.html

Have good day!

[brandkelz]

I cant palpate either, I just confirm 2-4 matings and call the doe bred and mark it down....hasnt failed me yet....

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk

[lonelyfarmgirl]

WOW, lucky you. Unfortunatly I dont have such luck. I do have does that don't take ,periodically. Its worse in the winter, but better since I started using controlled lighting. I think in the coldest parts of winter and the hottest parts of summer, bucks go sterile for a while.

[Mosherd1]

I am glad to hear this because I was starting to think I was just an idiot, I appreciate it!