What Types of Food Should You Feed Rabbits With Babies?

Feeding rabbits does not need to be difficult. A rabbit's diet barely changes with age. Once you know the basics of a healthy rabbit diet, it is easy to apply it to nursing mothers and their young. One of the most common concerns is a low intake of fiber, so make sure your mother and baby rabbits are receiving enough fiber in their diet, and you will watch your baby bunnies grow quickly into healthy adults.

  1. Pellets

    • A main staple of a domestic rabbit's diet is pellets, which become even more important when your rabbit has babies. Buy pellets that are high in fiber (18 percent minimum) since the young rabbits and mother will both benefit by high fiber intake. If you have been feeding your rabbit timothy pellets regularly, continue to do so without switching brands, but feed her a bit more than she would normally eat in a day. Pellets should be given twice daily, and the amount should be determined based on the recommendations on the bag.

    Hay

    • Hay is a staple for adult rabbits and babies. Alfalfa hay should be a rare treat since it is much richer in nutrients than timothy hay, making it harder to digest. Feed the mother and babies alfalfa hay once a week, but ensure that timothy or grass hay is available to them all day and night. Hay has a much higher content of vitamins than pellets, and it is all natural, making it easier to digest for rabbits. Hay is the most important component of your rabbit's gastrointestinal health since hay keeps things moving in your rabbit's digestive system, which is especially important for new mothers.

    Feeding Baby Rabbits

    • While alfalfa is not healthy for adults, it is helpful for baby rabbits. The mother will feed her baby rabbits regularly until they are about a month old. Then, the babies will begin to find their own food. Alfalfa hay and pellets should be regularly available at this time for the babies to eat. Once the babies are 2 months old, they should have unlimited access to alfalfa pellets and hay until they are 8 months old. At this point, they should be given timothy pellets twice a day and a constantly fresh supply of timothy hay.

    Water

    • Water is the most important thing that a mother rabbit will need in her diet while she is nursing her young. Make sure that fresh, clean water is available daily. Water should always be given in a bottle or bowl that attaches to the cage and is placed high up so the rabbits cannot soil it with their urine or feces. Water should be slightly cool to room temperature as very cold or hot water could shock the rabbit's system.