If orphaned, you should bring baby rabbits as soon as possible to a vet or a wildlife rehabilitator. Otherwise, nursing baby rabbits should not be separated from their mothers for extended periods. The does typically feed their kits once or twice a day for five minutes or so.
Here are some tips for caring for orphaned baby rabbits:
* Keep them warm. Baby rabbits are very susceptible to cold, so it's important to keep them warm. You can do this by placing them in a warm box or nest with soft bedding.
* Feed them a proper milk replacer. You should feed orphaned baby rabbits a specifically formulated milk replacer for rabbits, such as Esbilac or Fox Valley Formula. Follow the directions on the package for how to mix and feed the formula.
* Stimulate them to urinate and defecate. Baby rabbits need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate. You can do this by gently rubbing their bellies with a damp cloth.
* Weigh them daily. It's important to weigh baby rabbits daily to make sure they are gaining weight. If a rabbit is not gaining weight, you may need to adjust their feeding schedule or formula.
Caring for orphaned baby rabbits is a lot of work, but it can be very rewarding. By following these tips, you can help give orphaned baby rabbits a chance at survival.