A doe can build her nest at any time during the pregnancy, but they seem to have an urgency to do so in the last week, or even the last few days. Many breeders do not place in a nesting box until the last week or few days because some does will use it to stay warm and/or use it as a bathroom, if it is placed in the cage before they are feeling that urge to build a nest.
Whoops has been in our "kindling suite," a two compartment cage that has a drop nesting box on one side with its own door and cage with baby catching wire all around that is not as deep as our other cages on the other side. I love that I can close off the nesting box hutch until it is needed or to inspect the kindle in the nest without the mother being protective and pestering.
Whoops is not due until March 11th, but she began haystaching—probably not a real word (unless you are a rabbit breeder)—rather early. I opened up the nesting box side because once she builds a nest, it is used for nothing else but a nest with her. The last time when she began this early it was a false pregnancy. I am hoping, along with her potential new owner, that this time it is the real deal.
When I write that she was determined, I mean she was seriously determined!
And when Whoops was done, it was a nest of precision and beauty, perfect for kindling. Do you see that lovely little hole in the hay in the back? That is where her kits will be just a week from tomorrow, hopefully!