How do you raise newborn bunnies?

Answer 1

alot depends on the age of your bunny

the bunnys that stay at my place arent weend or ready to leave momma til they are about 8 weeks old and tho they hop free in the barn at feeding times we try to keep them away from fresh vegies they have to depend on momma to be doin her part and we add pellets and all the hay they can eat AND LOTS OF FRESH WATER

Answer 2

The best thing you can do is leave well alone! Rabbits are very good mothers and will care for their kits perfectly by themselves. Just make sure your doe has plenty of good quality hay, veggies and water and let her do her job.

Remember a mother bun will only feed her kits once a day, so even if you don't see her feed them unless the kits look bony they are doing just fine.

If you absolutely have to hand rear kits it is good to be aware starting out that the survival rate of hand reared babies is very low, so it should not be attempted unless there is no other option.

You will need to contact your vets to get appropriate milk to feed them, they must not be given cows milk.
You should try to disturb the rabbit's nest as little as possible, however it is a good idea to check in the nest for deceased kits (baby rabbits) every day or two for the first ten days. During this time, it is not uncommon for kits to die. The mortality rate is rather high for kits (as it is with most rodents) because rabbits reproduce so quickly. Kits often die due to genetic abnormalities, or simply failure to thrive.

Answer 3

The best thing you can do for newborn bunnies is to leave them alone and let the mother do her job.

If you are worried, check the nest once a day, make sure the baby bunnies tummies are nicely rounded and the bunnies are warm. This will show the mother is doing her thing.

Rabbit Mothers only feed their young once or twice a day, so just because you have not seen it does not mean it isn't happening. Rabbit mothers spend very little time with their young and normally only look in on them when it is time to feed them.

If when you look at the babies their tummies look shrunken and they are wrinkly (sign of dehydration) you will need to seek the advice of a vet who may be able to help you with an injection of Oxytocin to help the mother lactate, or failing that will be best able to advise you on fostering of the babies.

Answer 4

Make sure that if you decide to obtain a baby rabbit, it is at least 8 weeks old before it has been separated from its mother to have the best chance at surviving. The only difference in taking care of a baby rabbit vs an adult is the diet. Baby rabbits should be fed on unlimited alfalfa hay and a high protein and calcium pellet. See the related links and questions below for details.

Answer 5

Big cardboard box, lot's of dry clean warm bedding, water for the mother and leave her to it. You might need to put it near a heat source. The mother will take care of the slimy bits herself. You need to continue feeding the mother and taking care of her pooh but she'll do all the hard work of looking after the little ones.

Answer 6

Caring for a rabbit is a big responsibility and it would be more helpful to get a book on them which covers general signs of illness, gaining trust, health..etc, I would recommend the book 'Rabbits' by Sue Fox.

Answer 7

YOU do nothing, it's up to the mother to take care of them and keep them warm. If she has built a nest don't touch it, if she hasn't give her materials, like paper towels, to do so. Separate the daddy bunny from mom and the babies for a month or so. Spay her when she's done nursing them by 12 weeks.