What to Feed Baby Rabbits Without a Mother

Today, I would like to discuss a critical situation that some rabbit owners might face: what to feed baby rabbits without a mother. Whether you have found abandoned wild bunnies or your domestic rabbit mother is unable to care for her babies, this guide will help you navigate this delicate situation.

A word of caution first: Are you quite sure that this mother isn’t feeding her babies?

Before we jump right into feeding, it’s essential first to make sure if the baby rabbits really need your help. A mother rabbit nurses her young only once or twice a day, mostly at night.

This very action can cause people to think that the babies have been abandoned. So, how will you know if the babies are truly orphaned?

Observe their appearance:

• Are their bellies round and full?
  
• Is she round and chubby?
  
• Are they warm and cuddled up?

If so, it’s likely that momma’s still caring for them. But if they appear thin or wrinkled or cold, it might be time to intervene.

Now, say that you have determined these baby bunnies need a little interference from you. What now?

Step 1: Keep Them Warm and Cozy

First of all, before we even think about food, we need to make sure our baby rabbits are warm. You remember when I brought Mango home?

I learned right away that warmth is vital for their survival. Here’s what you can do:

1. Make a warm nest: Use any box lined with soft towels.

2. Place a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel near the babies.

3. Maintain an ambient temperature of about 75-78°F (24-26°C).

Step 2: Selecting the appropriate formula

Now, this is where it might get a little dicey. What is the best milk substitute for a baby rabbit? From experience and hours upon hours of research, here are your best choices:

1. Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR): This is often recommended by many wildlife rehabilitators.

2. Goat’s milk: A natural substitute that’s very easy on a bunny’s stomach.

3. Rabbit Milk Replacer: Formulas like Wombaroo Rabbit Milk Replacer are mixed specifically for rabbits.

Avoid cow’s milk or human baby formula since they will upset the rabbit digestive system.

Step 3: Prepare the formula

Remember when I was learning to care for Mango? I quickly realized that preparation is key. Here’s a simple recipe you can use:

• 1/2 cup KMR or goat’s milk
  
• 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
  
• 5 drops of colostrum (available at health food stores)

Mix these ingredients well and warm the formula to about 105°F (40°C). Always test the temperature on your wrist before feeding.

Step 4: Feeding time!

Now comes the hard part – actually feeding the baby rabbits. Trust me, it takes patience and practice. Here’s how to do it:

1. Use a small syringe or eyedropper (1-3 cc size).

2. Hold the baby upright or slightly tilted back.

3. Slip the syringe or dropper carefully into the side of the mouth.

4. Slowly squeeze small amounts of formula out and allow the baby to swallow after each drop.

Note: Overfeeding can be as dangerous as underfeeding.

The following is a general guide:

• Newborns to 1 week: 2-2.5 cc/ml per feeding, twice a day
  
• 1-2 weeks: 5-7 cc/ml per feeding, twice a day
  
• 2-3 weeks: 7-13 cc/ml per feeding, twice a day

But here is the critical tip: always observe the belly of the baby. It should be full but not too distended.

Step 5: Stimulate elimination

Do you know that a baby rabbit is incapable of eliminating on its own? Well, it’s true! After feeding, you will have to stimulate their genitals gently with a warm, damp cotton ball.

This is an imitation of the mother’s cleaning, and it helps them urinate or defecate.

How old must baby rabbits be before they can eat solid food?

By about 2-3 weeks of age, small amounts of timothy hay and pellets can be offered. They should be crunching away on these regularly by 4-6 weeks, along with small portions of leafy greens.

A word on wild rabbits

If you have found wild baby rabbits, then it is best to call a wildlife rehabilitator. They have been trained and experienced how to handle such delicate creatures.

Remember, in so many instances, it is against the law to keep wild rabbits as pets. Professional help is therefore your best way out.

Conclusion:

Caring for a motherless baby rabbit is a huge challenge, yet so very rewarding. It requires dedication, patience, and much love. Having raised many rabbits myself, dear Mango, Tango, and Rupa, I can tell you it’s worth the effort.

Have you ever needed to care for baby rabbits, or do you have questions about rabbit care? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear from you and share more of my bunny wisdom!