What Do Baby Bunnies Need to Survive? A Comprehensive Guide
Baby bunnies require a delicate balance of proper nutrition, warmth, hygiene, and minimal human intervention to thrive. Knowing what baby bunnies need to survive is crucial, particularly if you encounter orphaned kits. This guide provides expert advice to ensure their healthy development and survival.
Understanding the Delicate Needs of Baby Bunnies
Finding a nest of baby bunnies can be alarming, but it’s important to understand their natural habits. Wild rabbits are masters of concealment, and the mother only visits the nest twice a day – usually at dawn and dusk – to feed her young. This infrequent visitation is a protective measure to avoid attracting predators. Misunderstanding this behavior often leads well-meaning individuals to mistakenly believe the bunnies are orphaned and intervene unnecessarily. Determining whether intervention is truly needed is the first crucial step.
Identifying an Orphaned Baby Bunny
Before taking any action, confirm the bunnies are genuinely orphaned. Here’s how:
- Observe the nest: From a distance, watch the nest for signs of the mother rabbit. Look for her presence at dawn and dusk.
- Check their physical condition: Healthy baby bunnies are plump and warm. Dehydration is a major concern, so look for signs like wrinkly skin and lethargy.
- Assess the nest: If the nest is disturbed, scattered, or has dead bunnies, intervention may be necessary.
If you’ve observed no maternal care for 24 hours or the bunnies appear injured or in distress, they likely need help. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide the specialized care baby bunnies require.
Creating a Safe and Warm Environment
If, after contacting a rehabilitator, you are advised to provide temporary care, a safe and warm environment is paramount.
- Choose a container: A cardboard box lined with soft materials like hay or fleece works well.
- Maintain warmth: Baby bunnies are susceptible to hypothermia. Use a heating pad set on low, placed under half of the box, allowing them to move away if they get too warm. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel is another option. The ambient temperature should be around 85-90°F (29-32°C).
- Ensure hygiene: Keep the enclosure clean and dry to prevent infection.
Nutritional Needs: Formula and Feeding
The most critical aspect of what baby bunnies need to survive is proper nutrition. Cow’s milk is unsuitable and can be fatal. Instead, use a kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat’s milk-based formula, available at pet stores. Dilute the formula slightly with water for the first few feedings.
- Feeding schedule: Newborn bunnies (0-1 week) need to be fed twice a day. Older bunnies (1-3 weeks) can be fed once a day, increasing the amount as they grow.
- Feeding technique: Use a small syringe (without the needle) or a dropper. Gently position the bunny on its stomach and slowly administer the formula. Avoid forcing the formula, as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
- Amount: A guideline is 2-3 cc’s for newborns increasing to 5-7 cc’s for older babies. Closely monitor their weight gain, as that is the best indicator of successful feeding.
Table: Sample Feeding Schedule
| Age (Weeks) | Formula Type | Frequency | Amount (cc’s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ————— | ————————– | ———– | —————- |
| 0-1 | Diluted KMR/Goat’s Milk | Twice Daily | 2-3 |
| 1-2 | KMR/Goat’s Milk | Once Daily | 5-7 |
| 2-3 | KMR/Goat’s Milk | Once Daily | 7-10 |
Stimulating Elimination
Baby bunnies need help to eliminate waste. After each feeding, gently stimulate their anal and genital area with a warm, damp cotton ball until they urinate and defecate. This mimics the mother’s grooming behavior and is essential for their survival.
Weaning and Solid Foods
Once the bunnies are around 3 weeks old, introduce solid foods like timothy hay, rabbit pellets (soaked in water), and fresh leafy greens. Gradually reduce the formula intake as they start eating solid food. Proper weaning is crucial for the long-term health of baby bunnies.
Releasing Back into the Wild
If you’ve successfully raised orphaned bunnies, the ultimate goal is to release them back into the wild.
- Acclimation: Before release, acclimate them to the outdoors by gradually increasing their time spent in an outdoor enclosure.
- Release site: Choose a safe and suitable release site with plenty of vegetation and shelter. Avoid areas with high predator activity.
- Group release: Release the bunnies in a group if possible, as they are social animals and benefit from each other’s company.
Remember, understanding what baby bunnies need to survive and providing the appropriate care can significantly increase their chances of survival and a successful return to their natural habitat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the first thing I should do if I find a baby bunny?
The very first step is to assess whether the bunny is truly orphaned. Observe the nest from a distance for at least 24 hours, looking for signs of the mother. Do not immediately assume the bunny is abandoned. If the bunny appears injured or you are certain the mother is not returning, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area immediately.
How can I tell if a baby bunny is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in baby bunnies include wrinkly skin, sunken eyes, and lethargy. You can also gently pinch the skin on their back; if it doesn’t snap back quickly, they are likely dehydrated. Immediate intervention is necessary, and contacting a rehabilitator is crucial.
Can I feed a baby bunny cow’s milk?
No, never feed a baby bunny cow’s milk. It lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause severe digestive problems, even death. Use a kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat’s milk-based formula specifically designed for young animals.
How often should I feed a baby bunny?
The feeding frequency depends on the age of the bunny. Newborns (0-1 week) typically need to be fed twice a day, while older bunnies (1-3 weeks) can be fed once a day. Always follow the advice of a wildlife rehabilitator as they may recommend different feeding schedules based on individual needs.
How much formula should I give a baby bunny?
A good starting point is 2-3 cc’s of formula for newborns, increasing to 5-7 cc’s as they get older. Monitor their weight gain to ensure they are getting enough. Regular weigh-ins are essential to track their progress.
Why is it important to stimulate a baby bunny to urinate and defecate?
Baby bunnies cannot eliminate waste on their own until they are a few weeks old. The mother rabbit stimulates them by licking their anal and genital area. You must mimic this behavior by gently stimulating them with a warm, damp cotton ball after each feeding. Failure to stimulate them can lead to a fatal blockage.
What kind of bedding should I use for baby bunnies?
Soft, absorbent bedding like hay or fleece is ideal. Avoid using cedar shavings, as they can be toxic to rabbits. Clean bedding is essential to prevent infections.
How can I keep baby bunnies warm?
Baby bunnies are very susceptible to hypothermia. Provide a heating pad set on low under half of their enclosure so they can move away if they get too warm. A hot water bottle wrapped in a towel is another good option. Maintain a warm ambient temperature of around 85-90°F (29-32°C).
When can I start introducing solid foods to baby bunnies?
Start introducing solid foods around 3 weeks of age. Offer small amounts of timothy hay, rabbit pellets soaked in water, and fresh leafy greens. Gradually reduce the formula intake as they begin eating more solid food.
What are some signs that a baby bunny is sick?
Signs of illness in baby bunnies include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
How do I prepare a baby bunny for release back into the wild?
Before release, gradually acclimate the bunny to the outdoors by increasing its time spent in an outdoor enclosure. Choose a safe release site with plenty of vegetation and shelter, avoiding areas with high predator activity. Ensure the bunny is healthy and capable of fending for itself before releasing it.
Is it legal to keep a wild baby bunny as a pet?
In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to possess or keep wild animals, including baby bunnies, without the proper permits. It is always best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance and to ensure the animal receives the appropriate care. Furthermore, wild animals rarely thrive in domestic environments. Knowing what baby bunnies need to survive means understanding that their best chance is a life in their natural habitat.