What Do Wild Baby Bunnies Eat? A Guide for Concerned Observers
Wild baby bunnies, also known as kits, primarily rely on their mother’s milk during their first few weeks of life; after that, they gradually transition to a diet of tender grasses and leafy greens. The crucial first stage is entirely dependent on their mother’s milk, making it essential to understand their dietary needs.
The Essential Role of Mother’s Milk
The nutritional foundation for a wild baby bunny’s survival lies in its mother’s milk. This milk is remarkably rich in fat and protein, providing the energy and building blocks necessary for rapid growth and development. Understanding this fundamental dependence is key to comprehending what do wild baby bunnies eat in their earliest stages.
- High in Fat
- Rich in Protein
- Contains Vital Antibodies for Immunity
Weaning and the Transition to Solid Food
Around 2-3 weeks of age, wild baby bunnies begin the weaning process. This involves gradually introducing solid foods while still relying partially on their mother’s milk. This delicate transition is vital for the young kits’ digestive systems. What do wild baby bunnies eat during this time? The answer is primarily soft, easily digestible vegetation.
- Soft Grasses (e.g., clover, timothy)
- Leafy Greens (e.g., dandelion greens, plantain)
- Avoid hard or fibrous plants initially
Identifying Suitable Food Sources
Knowing exactly what a wild baby bunny can and should eat is crucial if you find an orphaned kit. The goal is to mimic its natural diet as closely as possible. Remember, introducing incorrect foods can lead to digestive problems and even death.
| Food Type | Suitability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| —————— | ——————- | —————————————————————————– |
| Alfalfa Hay | Excellent | Provides fiber and nutrients; can be soaked in water to soften for young kits. |
| Timothy Hay | Good | Good source of fiber for older kits. |
| Dandelion Greens | Excellent | A natural and nutritious option, mimicking their wild diet. |
| Clover | Good | Another natural food source that is easily digestible. |
| Lettuce (Romaine) | Moderate (Limited) | Only Romaine is recommended. Other varieties are often low in nutrients. |
| Cabbage/Broccoli | Avoid | Can cause gas and digestive upset. |
Why You Shouldn’t Intervene (Usually)
Before even thinking about what do wild baby bunnies eat, it’s crucial to understand that intervention is often detrimental. Mother rabbits only feed their young once or twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk. So, a seemingly abandoned nest is likely not abandoned. Resist the urge to “rescue” unless there is clear evidence of injury, illness, or the mother’s death.
- Observe from a distance for at least 24 hours.
- If the bunnies appear healthy and the nest is undisturbed, leave them alone.
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if you suspect the kits are orphaned.
What to Do If You Find an Orphaned Bunny
If you are absolutely certain that a wild baby bunny is orphaned and needs help (e.g., the mother is deceased or the kit is injured), the best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide proper care.
However, if you are temporarily housing the kit while awaiting transfer to a rehabilitator, here are some general guidelines:
- Warmth: Keep the kit warm with a heating pad set on low, wrapped in a towel.
- Hydration: Offer unflavored Pedialyte through a syringe (without needle) or eyedropper.
- Feeding: ONLY as a last resort, and AFTER consultation with a rehabber, you may try feeding kitten milk replacer (KMR), but never cow’s milk.
- Hygiene: Gently clean the kit’s bottom with a damp cotton ball to stimulate urination and defecation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Providing the wrong food or improper care can have fatal consequences for wild baby bunnies. Here’s a list of common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Feeding cow’s milk: This is extremely dangerous and can cause severe digestive issues.
- Overfeeding: Baby bunnies have small stomachs and can easily be overfed.
- Introducing solid foods too early: Ensure the kit is at least 2-3 weeks old before offering solid foods.
- Handling too much: Minimize handling to reduce stress.
- Releasing too early: Bunnies need to be fully independent (able to eat solid food reliably and escape predators) before being released back into the wild. This is best left to professionals.
Supplementing Their Diet (If Necessary)
If, and ONLY if, directed by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, you might need to supplement the baby bunny’s diet. This should not be undertaken without expert guidance. Supplementation focuses on providing essential nutrients that might be lacking if the mother rabbit is absent or the bunny is severely underweight.
- Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) is often recommended.
- Ensure proper dilution and feeding techniques to avoid aspiration.
- Gradually introduce a small amount of pureed greens as the bunny gets older.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often do mother rabbits feed their babies in the wild?
Mother rabbits typically only feed their young once or twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk. This is why nests often appear unattended, even when the mother is actively caring for her kits. She does this to avoid attracting predators to the nest.
Can I give a wild baby bunny water?
Offering water to a very young bunny is often not recommended, as they primarily obtain hydration from their mother’s milk. If you must provide water (under the guidance of a rehabber), offer it via a syringe (without needle) or eyedropper, very slowly, to avoid aspiration.
What if I accidentally touched a wild baby bunny? Will the mother reject it?
This is a common misconception. Mother rabbits will not reject their babies because of human scent. This is largely a myth. If you accidentally touched a kit, simply place it back in the nest.
How can I tell if a wild baby bunny is orphaned?
It can be difficult to tell. Signs of orphaning include visible injuries, extreme weakness, constant crying, or the confirmed death of the mother. Observe from a distance for at least 24 hours before assuming orphaning.
What is the ideal temperature for a wild baby bunny’s environment if I am caring for it temporarily?
Wild baby bunnies require a warm environment. Aim for a temperature of 85-90°F (29-32°C) initially, gradually decreasing it as they grow older. Use a heating pad set on low, wrapped in a towel, placed underneath one side of the enclosure, so they have a place to move away from the heat if needed.
How much should I feed a wild baby bunny?
The amount of food depends on the bunny’s age and weight. Consult with a wildlife rehabilitator for specific feeding instructions. Generally, start with small amounts and gradually increase as the bunny grows.
What type of enclosure is best for a wild baby bunny?
A small cardboard box or plastic tub lined with soft bedding (such as towels or fleece) works well. Ensure the enclosure is secure and prevents the bunny from escaping. Avoid using wire cages, as they can injure the bunny’s feet.
How do I stimulate a wild baby bunny to urinate and defecate?
Gently stroke the bunny’s genital area with a damp cotton ball after each feeding. This mimics the mother rabbit’s licking and stimulates urination and defecation.
At what age can a wild baby bunny start eating solid foods?
Wild baby bunnies typically begin experimenting with solid foods around 2-3 weeks of age. Offer soft, easily digestible greens like dandelion greens and clover.
What greens are safe for a wild baby bunny to eat?
Safe options include dandelion greens, clover, plantain, and soft grasses. Avoid feeding them iceberg lettuce, cabbage, or broccoli, as these can cause digestive problems.
When is it safe to release a wild baby bunny back into the wild?
A wild baby bunny should be fully independent before being released. This means it should be able to eat solid food reliably, escape predators, and maintain a healthy weight. Consult with a wildlife rehabilitator before releasing any animal back into its natural habitat.
What are the long-term survival rates for orphaned wild baby bunnies raised in captivity?
Unfortunately, the survival rates for orphaned wild baby bunnies are relatively low, even with expert care. It’s always best to leave them undisturbed in their natural environment whenever possible. This underscores the importance of avoiding unnecessary intervention.