What Do Abandoned Newborn Bunnies Eat? A Guide to Orphaned Rabbit Care
The survival of abandoned newborn bunnies hinges on immediate and proper feeding. What do abandoned newborn bunnies eat? They require a specially formulated rabbit milk replacer to thrive.
Understanding the Plight of Orphaned Bunnies
Finding newborn bunnies seemingly abandoned can be heartbreaking. Before intervening, however, it’s crucial to understand rabbit parenting. Mother rabbits, called does, only nurse their young once or twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk, to avoid attracting predators. Therefore, seeing unattended bunnies doesn’t automatically mean they are orphaned. Only interfere if you observe signs of distress, such as visible injuries, dehydration, emaciation, or if the mother rabbit is confirmed dead. If you must intervene, knowing what do abandoned newborn bunnies eat is paramount to their survival.
The Importance of Rabbit Milk Replacer
Cow’s milk or other homemade concoctions are not suitable for newborn bunnies. Their delicate digestive systems require a specific nutrient balance found in commercially prepared rabbit milk replacer. These replacers are formulated to mimic the composition of a doe’s milk, providing the necessary proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for healthy growth and development. Using an incorrect formula can lead to digestive upset, malnutrition, and even death. Therefore, knowing what do abandoned newborn bunnies eat, namely rabbit milk replacer, is absolutely essential.
Choosing and Preparing the Correct Formula
Selecting the right rabbit milk replacer is the first step. Look for products specifically designed for rabbits, often available at veterinary clinics, pet stores specializing in small animals, or online retailers. Once you have the replacer, meticulous preparation is crucial:
- Read the instructions carefully: Follow the mixing ratios precisely as indicated on the packaging.
- Use sterile equipment: Always use a clean syringe or bottle and nipple to prevent bacterial infections.
- Warm the formula: The formula should be warmed to body temperature, approximately 100-105°F (38-40°C). Test a drop on your wrist to ensure it’s not too hot.
Feeding Techniques for Newborn Bunnies
Feeding tiny bunnies requires patience and a gentle touch. They are extremely fragile, and improper feeding techniques can lead to aspiration (inhaling liquid into the lungs), which can be fatal.
- Positioning: Hold the bunny upright in a natural feeding position. Avoid laying them on their back.
- Feeding tool: Use a small syringe (without a needle) or a specialized bottle with a small nipple designed for small animals.
- Amount: Feed small amounts at a time, allowing the bunny to suckle at their own pace. Overfeeding can cause bloating and digestive problems. Typically, newborn bunnies need 2-3 ml per feeding, increasing with age.
- Frequency: Newborn bunnies require frequent feedings, typically every 3-4 hours during the day and once or twice at night. As they grow, the frequency can be reduced.
- Stimulation: After each feeding, gently stimulate the bunny’s anal-genital area with a warm, damp cloth to encourage urination and defecation. Mother rabbits do this naturally to help their young eliminate waste.
Monitoring Growth and Development
Regularly monitoring the bunnies’ weight and overall health is essential. Weigh them daily to ensure they are gaining weight consistently. Observe their activity level, appetite, and stool consistency. Any signs of illness, such as lethargy, diarrhea, or refusal to eat, should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately.
Creating a Suitable Environment
In addition to providing the correct food, creating a warm and safe environment is critical for the survival of abandoned newborn bunnies.
- Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature of 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first week, gradually decreasing to 75-80°F (24-27°C) as they grow. Use a heating pad or heat lamp, ensuring the bunnies have a way to move away from the heat source if they get too warm.
- Bedding: Provide soft, clean bedding, such as fleece or shredded paper towels. Avoid cedar shavings, as they can be toxic to rabbits.
- Hygiene: Keep the environment clean to prevent the spread of disease. Change the bedding regularly and disinfect the enclosure frequently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can jeopardize the survival of orphaned bunnies:
- Using cow’s milk: As mentioned previously, cow’s milk is unsuitable and can cause severe digestive problems.
- Overfeeding: Overfeeding can lead to bloating, diarrhea, and aspiration.
- Underfeeding: Underfeeding results in malnutrition and failure to thrive.
- Inadequate hygiene: Poor hygiene increases the risk of bacterial infections.
- Insufficient warmth: Newborn bunnies cannot regulate their body temperature effectively and require a warm environment.
- Delaying veterinary care: Any signs of illness should be addressed by a veterinarian promptly.
Supplementing and Weaning
As the bunnies grow, gradually introduce solid foods alongside the milk replacer. Start with small amounts of high-quality rabbit pellets, timothy hay, and fresh greens. Monitor their consumption and adjust the amount of milk replacer accordingly. By 6-8 weeks of age, the bunnies should be fully weaned onto solid foods.
| Age (Weeks) | Milk Replacer Feedings | Solid Food Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | — |
| 0-1 | Every 3-4 hours | None |
| 2-3 | Every 4-6 hours | Small amount of pellets |
| 4-5 | Every 6-8 hours | Increasing amounts of pellets and hay |
| 6-8 | Gradually wean off | Primarily pellets, hay, and fresh greens |
Long-Term Care Considerations
Once the bunnies are weaned and thriving, they require ongoing care, including a spacious enclosure, a balanced diet, regular veterinary checkups, and plenty of enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. Consider finding them suitable homes where they can receive the love and attention they deserve.
Ethical Considerations
Rescuing and raising abandoned newborn bunnies is a challenging and time-consuming endeavor. Before taking on this responsibility, carefully consider whether you have the resources, knowledge, and commitment to provide them with the necessary care. If you are unsure, consult with a veterinarian or experienced wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. Sometimes, leaving the bunnies in their natural environment is the best option, allowing the mother to return when she feels safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use goat milk to feed abandoned bunnies?
While goat milk is sometimes suggested as a slightly better alternative to cow’s milk, it is still not ideal. Rabbit milk replacer remains the best option as it is specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of newborn rabbits. Goat milk lacks the proper balance of nutrients and can still cause digestive problems.
How do I know if I am feeding the bunnies enough?
Monitor their weight daily. Healthy bunnies should gain weight consistently. Also, observe their behavior. If they are acting hungry and restless shortly after feeding, they may need more formula. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount for their age and weight.
What if the bunny refuses to eat?
A bunny refusing to eat can be a sign of underlying illness. Try warming the formula slightly and offering it in a quiet, stress-free environment. If the bunny continues to refuse food, seek immediate veterinary attention.
How long can a newborn bunny survive without food?
Newborn bunnies have very limited energy reserves and cannot survive long without food. They may only survive for 12-24 hours without nourishment, depending on their age and condition. Therefore, immediate intervention is crucial.
Can I use a dropper instead of a syringe?
A dropper can be used, but it’s more difficult to control the flow of liquid and prevent aspiration. A syringe allows for more precise dosing and a slower, more controlled feeding. A dedicated small animal feeding bottle with a nipple is also an excellent option.
What are the signs of aspiration?
Signs of aspiration include coughing, gagging, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect the bunny has aspirated formula, immediately contact a veterinarian. Aspiration pneumonia is a serious complication that requires prompt treatment.
How do I keep the bunnies warm enough?
Use a heating pad set on low or a heat lamp, ensuring the bunnies have a way to move away from the heat source if they get too warm. Monitor their behavior closely to ensure they are not overheating or getting chilled. Maintain a consistent temperature in their enclosure.
What kind of bedding is best for newborn bunnies?
Soft, dust-free bedding is ideal. Fleece blankets, shredded paper towels, or carefresh bedding are good options. Avoid cedar shavings, as they can be toxic to rabbits. Change the bedding regularly to keep it clean and dry.
How often should I clean the bunny’s enclosure?
Clean the enclosure daily to remove soiled bedding and prevent the spread of disease. Disinfect the enclosure with a rabbit-safe disinfectant at least once a week.
Where can I find rabbit milk replacer?
Rabbit milk replacer can be found at veterinary clinics, pet stores specializing in small animals, and online retailers. Be sure to choose a product specifically designed for rabbits.
What if I can’t find rabbit milk replacer right away?
In an emergency situation, a temporary solution, though not ideal, can be made using kitten milk replacer, diluted and offered in small amounts. Immediately source rabbit milk replacer as soon as possible.
How do I know when the bunnies are ready to be released back into the wild?
Releasing rehabilitated bunnies back into the wild is best left to experienced wildlife rehabilitators. They have the knowledge and resources to assess the bunnies’ readiness for release and choose a suitable location. Attempting to release them yourself may jeopardize their survival.