How to Feed New Born Rabbits

Rabbits are a common sight in many neighborhoods, parks and other places around the country and are even pets for many people. While newborn rabbits are usually well taken care of by their mother and should be left alone by people, occasionally the mother will refuse to care for the babies or they are otherwise in danger due to safety, cold or other causes. Baby rabbits only nurse once a day; this is not a sign of neglect. Only separate baby rabbits from their mother as a last resort.

Things You'll Need

  • Kitten milk replacement
  • Cream
  • Acidophilus
  • Eye dropper
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Instructions

    • 1

      Mix together one can of Kitten Milk Replacer, available at most pet supply stores, with 1 tbsp. cream.

    • 2

      Add the powder from ½ capsule of acidophilus to each rabbit's meal for rabbits up to 2 weeks in age. Increase the amount of acidophilus to the powder from 1 full capsule at age 3 and 4 weeks. (Weaning typically occurs at 4 weeks.)

    • 3

      Carefully and loosely wrap each baby rabbit in a small, soft cloth and hold the baby face-up to feed.

    • 4

      Use an eye dropper to feed each baby once a day. Each baby should receive 5 cc of the KMR mixture when newborn, between 10 and 15 cc at 1 week, between 26 and 30 cc at 2 weeks, and 30 cc at 3 and 4 weeks. If the baby does not eat the full amount at the feeding time, wait several hours and complete the feeding at that time.

    • 5

      Feed the rabbit at a slow pace and allow the baby to determine how quickly it eats. Do not squirt the KMR into the baby's mouth, as this can cause the baby to get the liquid in the lungs and suffocate.

    • 6

      Place a small amount of pellets and hay in the corner of the box when the rabbits are approximately 10 days old. Do not introduce pellets if the rabbits are wild; only give wild rabbits pesticide-free greens and oat hay. Set a small, very shallow dish of water in the box as well but ensure it is not deep enough for the rabbits to drown.