What to Feed a Newborn Wild Rabbit? Saving the Bunnies
Feeding a newborn wild rabbit requires immense care and specific knowledge. The best option is always to reunite it with its mother, but if that’s impossible, a special formula milk replacer, such as KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) or goat’s milk-based formula, diluted appropriately and administered carefully, is crucial for their survival.
Understanding the Plight of Orphaned Rabbits
Finding a baby rabbit alone can be distressing. However, many seemingly orphaned rabbits are actually being cared for by their mothers. Wild rabbit mothers only visit their nests twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk, to avoid attracting predators. Therefore, observation is key. A healthy baby rabbit will be plump and warm. Before intervening, mark the nest with string or twigs in a cross pattern. Check back in 24 hours. If the cross remains undisturbed, or the bunnies appear thin and cold, intervention may be necessary.
The Importance of Reuniting with the Mother
The absolute best course of action is to reunite the baby rabbits with their mother. A mother rabbit provides essential antibodies and specific nutrients that are impossible to perfectly replicate.
- If the nest is disturbed: Gently reconstruct it as closely as possible to its original state, using the original nesting material.
- Handle the babies minimally: Use gloves or gently rub your hands with grass from the surrounding area to mask your scent.
- Place the babies back in the nest: Cover them lightly with the original nesting material.
- Observe from a distance: Give the mother rabbit time and space to return. Check back in 12-24 hours.
When Intervention is Necessary: Formula Feeding
If the mother rabbit cannot be found or is deceased, or if the baby rabbits are clearly injured or in distress, intervention is necessary. Artificial feeding is challenging but can be successful with diligent care.
- Appropriate Formula: The most commonly recommended formulas are Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) and goat’s milk-based formula. Avoid cow’s milk, as it is difficult for rabbits to digest.
- Dilution: Dilute the formula with purified water according to the instructions on the product label, but often even further, especially in the beginning. A good starting point is a 1:2 ratio of formula to water. Observe the baby’s stool consistency and adjust as needed. Diarrhea indicates too much formula; constipation indicates too little.
- Feeding Tools: Use a 1cc syringe (without the needle) or a small eyedropper.
- Feeding Position: Hold the baby rabbit in an upright position, mimicking how it would nurse from its mother.
- Feeding Technique: Gently insert the tip of the syringe or eyedropper into the side of the baby’s mouth. Administer the formula slowly to prevent aspiration. Allow the baby to swallow at its own pace.
- Feeding Schedule: Newborn rabbits need to be fed 2-3 times per day, depending on their age and weight. A general guideline is:
- Week 1: 2-3 ml per feeding
- Week 2: 5-7 ml per feeding
- Week 3: 7-10 ml per feeding
- Week 4: Begin to introduce solid foods (see below).
- Hygiene: Sterilize all feeding equipment after each use.
- Stimulating Elimination: After each feeding, gently stimulate the baby rabbit’s anal-genital area with a warm, damp cotton ball to encourage urination and defecation. The mother rabbit would normally do this.
Introducing Solid Foods
As the baby rabbit grows (around 3-4 weeks old), begin to introduce solid foods.
- Timothy Hay: This should be the primary solid food.
- Rabbit Pellets: Offer a small amount of high-quality rabbit pellets (timothy-based).
- Fresh Greens: Introduce small amounts of safe greens, such as parsley, cilantro, and dandelion greens. Avoid lettuce, as it can cause diarrhea.
- Water: Provide fresh water in a shallow dish or bottle.
Monitoring and Adjusting
Closely monitor the baby rabbit’s weight, appetite, and stool consistency. Adjust the feeding schedule and amount as needed. A healthy baby rabbit should be gaining weight steadily and have formed stools. If you observe any signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or respiratory distress, consult a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: This can lead to diarrhea and other digestive problems.
- Feeding Cow’s Milk: Cow’s milk is difficult for rabbits to digest.
- Feeding Too Quickly: This can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
- Neglecting Elimination Stimulation: Baby rabbits cannot eliminate on their own without stimulation.
- Prematurely Introducing Solid Foods: Introducing solid foods too early can disrupt the digestive system.
- Releasing Too Early: Rabbits need to be fully weaned and capable of foraging for food before being released.
Supportive Care: Housing and Environment
- Warmth: Keep the baby rabbit warm using a heating pad set on low or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel.
- Cleanliness: Keep the enclosure clean to prevent infection.
- Quiet Environment: Provide a quiet and stress-free environment.
- Secure Enclosure: Ensure the enclosure is secure to prevent escape.
Table: Feeding Schedule Guide (Example)
| Week | Formula Amount (ml/feeding) | Feedings per Day | Solid Foods Introduced | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 | 2-3 | None | Dilute formula generously (1:2 or 1:3 formula:water) |
| 2 | 5-7 | 2-3 | None | Monitor stool consistency and adjust dilution as needed. |
| 3 | 7-10 | 2 | Timothy Hay (small amount) | Gradually reduce formula dilution. |
| 4+ | Decreasing | 1-2 | Hay, Pellets, Greens | Observe eating habits; continue formula until fully weaned (~6 weeks) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I know if a baby rabbit is truly orphaned?
Observe the nest from a distance for 24 hours. If the mother hasn’t returned and the babies appear thin, cold, or injured, then intervention might be necessary. It’s crucial not to assume abandonment too quickly.
What if I can’t get KMR or goat’s milk formula?
While KMR or goat’s milk-based formula are the best options, if unavailable, a puppy milk replacer can be used as a temporary substitute. However, monitor the rabbit closely for any digestive upset and switch to the preferred formulas as soon as possible.
How do I stimulate urination and defecation?
Use a warm, damp cotton ball and gently rub the anal-genital area in a circular motion. This mimics the mother’s licking and is essential for the baby rabbit to eliminate. Do this after each feeding.
What if the baby rabbit won’t take the formula?
Try warming the formula slightly (not hot!). Gently stroke the rabbit’s head and offer the syringe or dropper patiently. If the rabbit still refuses, it may be ill and require immediate veterinary attention.
Can I just leave out a dish of milk for the rabbit?
No. Never leave out a dish of milk. Baby rabbits can easily drown in shallow dishes. More importantly, they need to be hand-fed to ensure they are getting enough nourishment and to stimulate elimination.
How long do I need to feed the rabbit formula?
Continue feeding formula until the rabbit is eating solid food reliably and gaining weight. This usually takes about 6-8 weeks. Gradually decrease the amount of formula as the rabbit’s solid food intake increases.
What kind of greens can I give a baby rabbit?
Safe greens include parsley, cilantro, dandelion greens, and carrot tops. Introduce them slowly and in small amounts. Avoid lettuce, cabbage, and other cruciferous vegetables, as they can cause gas and diarrhea.
How much should a baby rabbit weigh?
Weight varies depending on age and breed, but a general guideline is that a newborn rabbit should weigh around 40-50 grams. Monitor weight gain daily to ensure the rabbit is thriving. A kitchen scale can be used for this purpose.
When can I release the rabbit back into the wild?
The rabbit should be fully weaned, eating solid food independently, and strong enough to forage for food and evade predators. This typically occurs around 8-10 weeks of age. Find a safe, sheltered location near where the rabbit was found.
What if I find a nest of baby rabbits but one is injured?
If the injury is minor, carefully clean the wound with a dilute antiseptic solution and return the baby to the nest. Monitor the rabbit closely. If the injury is severe, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
How do I make the formula?
Follow the directions on the KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) or goat’s milk-based formula packaging. Usually involves mixing the powder with warm water in the proper ratio. Always use filtered or purified water.
Is it legal to care for a wild rabbit?
Laws vary by location. In many areas, it is illegal to possess a wild animal without a permit. Contact your local wildlife agency or a wildlife rehabilitator to determine the legality of caring for a wild rabbit and to obtain necessary permits or guidance. They are the best resource for helping the baby rabbit thrive.