How to Feed Orphan Rabbits

Caring for orphaned kits, as baby bunnies are called, can be tricky. While the caring techniques can vary from wild to domestic bunnies, feeding is pretty standard across the board. If an orphaned kit is found, everything you need can be found at a local feed or pet store. Kitten milk replacement can be purchased in liquid or powder form, and mixing directions are located on the can.

Things You'll Need

  • Syringe or eyedropper
  • Kitten milk replacer or goat milk
  • Cotton balls
  • Water
  • Rabbit pellets
  • Timothy or oat hay
  • Rabbit water bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a syringe, bearing in mind the age and amount that will be fed to each kit in one feeding. (Kits are only fed twice a day. Overfeeding can result in death) Keep in mind that these amounts can vary depending on the size and breed of the rabbit. They could eat more or less.

      Kits from one to two weeks old should be fed 5 to 7 cc/ml per feeding.
      Kits from two to three weeks old should be fed 7 to 13 cc/ml per feeding.
      Kits from three to six weeks old should be fed 13 to 15 cc/ml per feeding.

    • 2

      Fill the syringe or dropper with formula. Kits should be held upright to avoid aspiration. Point the syringe down toward the bottom of the mouth or to the side and let the baby lap at the formula.

    • 3

      Take a warm, damp cotton ball and swipe gently across the anal area to stimulate the kit to defecate and urinate after each feeding. This simulates the mother's actions. Only kits with their eyes still closed need to be stimulated.

    • 4

      Begin introducing hay, rabbit pellets and water along with their regular formula feedings once kits have their eyes open. Weaning domestic kits can begin at around six weeks of age.