Introduction: The First and Crucial Step in Caring for Bunnies.
Newborn rabbits, or kits, may be one of the most fragile animals under this care, requiring very unique care. The diet of the newborn bunnies is a significant part of their care. Whether you have found a wild litter or just had baby bunnies from your pet rabbit, knowing how to provide newborn bunnies/fur babies the nutrition they use in their first stage of development and how to get them fed in a timely and effective manner is critical to their survival as well as their development.
This post will provide you with everything you need to know about bunnies beforehand, what newborn rabbits eat, how often they need to be eaten, how to safely provide nutrition to them, and the importance of food safety as well.
Knowing and Understanding Newborn Bunny Diet
Why Important in the First Several Weeks
Newborn bunnies have totally developed digestive system that works in a very unique way along with needing very specific nutrition in order to survive. The mother's milk has the ideal balance of proteins, fats, and antibodies required to develop their immune system so they can grow.
If the mother is absent, timely action on our part is extremely important to replace appropriate nutrition.
Newborn Bunny Feeding (without a mother)
1. Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR)
The main recommendation: The safest and most accessible nutrition for infants if there is no mother or she is not nursing is Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR). You can buy KMR at any pet store or veterinary clinic.
How to use KMR: Mix with water according to the instructions and feed with a small syringe or dropper.
Feeding schedule:
0-1 week: 2-2.5 cc, two times per day
1-2 weeks: 5-7 cc, two times per day
2-3 weeks: 7-13 cc, two times per day
3-6 weeks: Introduce alfalfa hay and pellets slowly.
2. Add Colostrum
If available, adding powdered colostrum in the first few feedings will provide the antibodies found in mother's milk.
3. Do Not Use Cow's Milk
Cow's milk will severely digestively distress and/or kill a baby rabbit. Cow's milk does not have the right nutrients.
Tips for Feeding Newborn Bunnies:
Gentle feeding.
Use sterile syringe or small feeding bottle.
When feeding, hold the bunny upright in a natural position. Never on its back. Baby bunnies may aspirate if flipped on their back.
Feed slowly, not to choke.
Keeping Bunnies Warm
Bunnies cannot produce their own body temperature at birth. If you want to keep the bunnies warm, use:
Heating pad (on low) under half of the enclosure.
Fleece blankets.
Covered nesting box.
Solid Foods for Bunnies
When Will Bunnies Begin Eating Solid Food?
Bunnies start to nibble on solids by approximately 3 weeks. Introduce the following:
Alfalfa hay
High-quality alfalfa-based pellets that do not contain added sugars or seeds.
At around 6 weeks (or beyond), introduce fresh greens such as:
parsley,dandelion greens
Water
Fresh water must be provided in a shallow bowl by 3 - 4 weeks of age.
For Example: Rescuing a Nest of Abandoned Kits.
Story:
Julia, an animal lover, found a litter of bunnies that looked cold and were not moving in her backyard and she was unsure whether they were alive. With help from a local rescue, and using Kitten Milk Replacer, Julia worked to revive 5 kits. Now, they are happily living in a bun-safe hutch in her backyard, all thanks to a timely and adequate feeding.
Internal and External Resources
Internal Resources:
How to Build a Rabbit Safe Hutch at Home
Rabbit Body Language for Beginners
External Resources:
House Rabbit Society: Feeding Orphaned Baby Rabbits
ASPCA Pet Care - Rabbits
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-feeding/Frequency
Using cow/goat milk
Keeping too cool
Not stimulating the kits to urinate/defecate (this can be done using a damp cotton ball after feeding).
Conclusion: Confidently Caring for Kits
Feeding newborn bunnies can seem daunting, but when you have the information and what you need, it will become less complicated. Always use Kitten Milk Replacer, use safe feeding practices, and start the bunnies on solid food slowly. If you have any questions, contact a veterinarian who knows rabbits.
Have you raised a baby bunny? Please share your experience and any questions you might have in the comments below, and be sure you share this guide with your fellow animal lovers!
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