What is a false pregnancy in rabbits?

A false pregnancy in rabbits, also known as pseudopregnancy, occurs when a female rabbit (doe) exhibits behaviors associated with pregnancy despite not having been bred. This includes building a nest, which is a natural instinctual behavior related to preparing for the arrival of kits.

In this scenario, the doe may display the same behaviors as if she were truly pregnant, such as gathering bedding materials and creating a nest, even though no fertilization has occurred. This behavior stems from hormonal changes in the doe's body and is quite common in rabbits.

The other options do not accurately define false pregnancy. The lack of a nest or refusal to breed reflects different issues unrelated to the hormonal and behavioral patterns that characterize a false pregnancy. Additionally, losing a pregnancy refers to an entirely different situation where the doe was initially pregnant but did not carry the pregnancy to term. Thus, the most accurate description of a false pregnancy in rabbits is when a doe builds a nest without actually being bred.