FAQ: What To Feed A Newborn Rabbit?

How do you take care of a newborn bunny without a mother?

If you do not see the mama—DON’T WORRY—they only nurse their babies a few minutes a day, then they stay away so as to not draw predators to the nest. The best thing you can do for wild babies is to leave them alone (restored to the nest) or, if injured, get them to a rabbit vet or wildlife rehabilitator.

How do you keep baby rabbits alive?

Help for Baby Rabbits

1. Place them in a small box with the bedding from their nest, if possible, or soft rags.
2. Keep baby rabbits in a box in a warm, quiet place away from children, household noise, domestic pets and bright lights.
3. If you have a heating pad, turn it on LOW and place it under HALF of the box.

Can baby bunnies survive without their mother?

A baby rabbit has the best chance of survival when it is cared for by its mother. Young rabbits disperse from the nest at 15-20 days old. By three weeks of age, they are on their own in the wild and no longer require a mother’s care. This means that young rabbits found on the ground may be completely healthy.

What should baby rabbits eat?

Young rabbits, under approximately 7-8 months old, should be fed alfalfa pellets and alfalfa hay free-choice; they need the extra protein and calcium as they grow. They, too, can have a variety of vegetables.

Will a mother rabbit kill her babies if you touch them?

It’s a myth that a mother rabbit (and many other wildlife mamas) will reject their babies if they have a human scent on them. Just cover the nest and don’t touch the babies again; handling the little ones can cause injury and stress.

Do baby rabbits drink water?

What do Baby Bunnies Drink? Young Rabbits (up to 8wks old) drink milk from their mothers. They may also start drinking water from their mom’s water bottle or bowl at about 3 to 4 weeks of age.

Can baby rabbits drink normal milk?

Can baby rabbits drink cow milk? No, cow’s milk isn’t good for baby rabbits. Baby rabbits may not be able to digest cow’s milk, and it may not have all the nutrients they need. Instead, feed baby rabbits a Kitten Milk Replacer formula, or goat’s milk.

What happens if you touch a baby bunny?

And with baby rabbits, touching them causes stress colitis, which eventually leads to the animal’s death after dehydration. Furthermore, she said that if the mother even smells a human scent on the babies, she may not come back to the nest.

Can you feed baby bunnies baby formula?

Bunnies under 3 weeks of age should be fed milk replacer (see formula below). (Note: Determining how old bunnies are can be difficult, as a general rule, bunnies with their eyes still closed are less then 2 weeks of age and need to be feed formula.

What do you do if you find a baby rabbit nest?

Baby rabbits found alone in a nest are usually not orphans. If a nest has been disturbed, put it back together and cover the babies with the grass that originally covered them. To check if the mother is coming to care for them, place several lengths of yarn (small branches work, too) in a grid pattern over the nest.

What should I do if I find a baby bunny?

The best thing you can do is put the bunny right back where you found him, in the general area, as the mom will only come back at night to call and find him. Leave the area. If injured, please contact a wildlife rehabber or rabbit vet immediately!

When do wild baby bunnies stop drinking milk?

Weaning. A domestic rabbit feeds her babies for about 8 weeks, gradually decreasing the frequency of feedings until they lose interest. Your baby bunnies will start to nibble on pellets and solid food at about the age of two to three weeks, but this does NOT mean they are ready to be weaned.

Can baby bunnies eat lettuce?

Rabbits can eat lettuce. However, a rabbit’s diet should never be primarily based around lettuce. Any lettuce given to your rabbit should be given in moderation as part of their vegetable intake. Large amounts of lettuce can cause digestive problems and overall health issues for your rabbit.

Can bunnies eat grapes?

Sugary fruits such as bananas and grapes should be used only sparingly, as occasional treats. Bunnies have a sweet tooth and if left to their own devices will devour sugary foods to the exclusion of healthful ones.

Can baby rabbits eat grass?

Rabbits eat grass (or hay)! In fact, rabbits could live on hay and water alone, but we recommend providing some fresh leafy vegetables and a small amount of commercial feed. The long fibre of grass or hay is vital to their digestive, behavioural and dental health.