What do you feed a wild baby bunny?

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If you find a seemingly orphaned wild baby bunny, resist the urge to immediately intervene. What do you feed a wild baby bunny? Ultimately, if intervention becomes necessary, the appropriate diet is a specialized formula, with a gradual transition to greens, but nothing you would typically feed a pet rabbit.

When to Intervene (And When Not To)

Before even considering what do you feed a wild baby bunny, it’s critical to determine if intervention is actually necessary. Mother rabbits only feed their young twice a day, usually around dawn and dusk. This means a seemingly abandoned bunny may simply be waiting for its mother to return.

Assess the Situation: Is the bunny injured? Is it clearly emaciated or dehydrated? Are there dead siblings nearby? Is it constantly crying or vocalizing? These are all signs of distress and may warrant intervention.
The Nest Test: If you find a nest, try to determine if it’s active. Place a few twigs or blades of grass in a crisscross pattern over the nest opening. If the grass has been disturbed or removed the next day, the mother has likely returned.
Eyes Open, Hopping: If the baby bunny’s eyes are open and it’s hopping around, it’s likely old enough to be on its own. Leave it be.

Identifying a True Orphan

If you’ve determined the baby bunny is truly orphaned (mother deceased, obvious signs of neglect, etc.), then intervention becomes necessary. Handling wild animals should always be done with care, wearing gloves to minimize the risk of disease transmission.

Initial Assessment: Check for injuries. Look for flystrike (eggs or maggots). Assess hydration – pinch the skin gently. If it tents and doesn’t immediately return to normal, the bunny is dehydrated.
Warmth: Baby bunnies are very susceptible to hypothermia. Gently warm the bunny by placing it in a box lined with soft cloths and a heating pad set on low, wrapped in a towel, placed under half of the box.
Contact a Professional: Your primary goal should be to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the experience, resources, and legal permits to properly care for the bunny. They are best suited to advise on what do you feed a wild baby bunny.

The Right Formula: What to Feed Initially

If you absolutely cannot reach a rehabilitator immediately, providing appropriate nutrition is critical. Do not give the bunny cow’s milk. It is highly indigestible and can be fatal.

Preferred Formula: Powdered kitten milk replacer (KMR) is the best substitute for rabbit milk. This can usually be found at pet supply stores or online.
Mixing: Follow the instructions on the KMR packaging, but generally, mix the powder with warm (not hot) water until it’s a smooth, milky consistency.
Feeding: Use a small syringe (without a needle!) or an eyedropper to feed the bunny. Offer small amounts at a time to avoid aspiration (fluid entering the lungs).
- Frequency: Feed very young bunnies (eyes closed) every 3-4 hours, including overnight. As they grow, gradually reduce the frequency.
- Quantity: The amount will vary depending on the bunny’s age and size. A general guideline is to feed 5-7% of the bunny’s body weight per feeding. Weigh the bunny daily to monitor its weight and adjust feeding amounts accordingly.
- Stimulation: After each feeding, gently stimulate the bunny’s genitals with a warm, damp cotton ball to encourage urination and defecation. This mimics the mother rabbit’s grooming behavior.

Transitioning to Solids: Introducing Greens

Once the bunny’s eyes are open and it’s starting to show interest in exploring, you can begin introducing solids. This is a gradual process.

Hay: Offer high-quality Timothy hay. This should be available at all times.
Leafy Greens: Introduce small amounts of dark leafy greens such as dandelion greens, parsley, cilantro, and romaine lettuce. Avoid iceberg lettuce as it has little nutritional value.
Pellets: Offer a small amount of high-quality rabbit pellets formulated for young rabbits (not adult pellets).
Water: Provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish.

Common Mistakes: What Not to Feed

Understanding what do you feed a wild baby bunny also requires understanding what not to feed.

Cow’s Milk: As mentioned earlier, cow’s milk is a major digestive irritant for rabbits.
Bread: Bread is high in carbohydrates and low in nutrients, and can cause digestive problems.
Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower: These vegetables can cause gas and bloating.
Human Food: Avoid giving the bunny any human food, especially processed foods.
Too Much Sugar: Fruit should be offered sparingly, if at all, due to its high sugar content.
Unsafe Plants: Ensure any wild greens you offer are safe for rabbits to eat. Research before offering them. Many common plants are toxic.

Release Considerations

The ultimate goal is to release the bunny back into the wild. This should only be done when the bunny is old enough to fend for itself (usually around 4-5 weeks old) and the weather is favorable.

Soft Release: A “soft release” involves providing a sheltered outdoor enclosure for a week or two to allow the bunny to acclimate to its surroundings.
Location: Release the bunny in an area with plenty of natural food sources and shelter, away from roads and predators.
Monitor: After releasing the bunny, monitor it for a few days to ensure it is adapting well.

Important Table: Sample Feeding Schedule for Orphaned Wild Baby Bunnies

Age (Weeks)	Formula Frequency	Formula Amount (% Body Weight per Feeding)	Solid Food Introduction
—	—	—	—
0-1 (Eyes Closed)	Every 3-4 hours	5-7%	None
1-2 (Eyes Opening)	Every 4-5 hours	5-7%	Offer a small amount of Timothy hay
2-3 (Eyes Open, Exploring)	Every 6-8 hours	5-7%	Introduce small amounts of leafy greens (dandelion, parsley, romaine) and rabbit pellets
3-4+ (Eating Solids)	Gradually reduce formula as solid food intake increases	Monitor weight and adjust accordingly	Continue offering hay, greens, and pellets

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I tell if a baby bunny is truly orphaned or just temporarily alone?

Mother rabbits only visit their nests a couple of times a day. Look for signs of injury, neglect, or the presence of dead siblings. If the bunny appears healthy and uninjured, and the nest seems intact, it’s best to leave it alone. You can monitor the nest by placing some twigs over it and checking to see if they’ve been moved overnight.

What happens if I can’t get kitten milk replacer (KMR)?

While KMR is the preferred option, goat’s milk can be used as a temporary substitute. It is still not as ideal as rabbit milk, but it’s better than cow’s milk. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible for further guidance.

How much formula should I feed a baby bunny?

The amount of formula depends on the bunny’s age and weight. A general guideline is to feed 5-7% of the bunny’s body weight per feeding. Weigh the bunny daily and adjust the feeding amount accordingly. Overfeeding can lead to digestive problems.

How do I know if I’m feeding the baby bunny correctly?

Healthy baby bunnies will gain weight steadily. Monitor the bunny’s weight daily. Also, observe the bunny’s droppings. They should be small, round, and firm. Diarrhea can be a sign of overfeeding or an improper diet.

Can I give a baby bunny water in a bottle?

It’s generally not recommended to give baby bunnies water in a bottle, as they can easily aspirate the water. A shallow dish of fresh water is a better option. Make sure the dish is stable and easily accessible.

Is it legal to keep a wild baby bunny as a pet?

In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to possess or keep wild animals as pets without a permit. Contact your local wildlife agency for more information. Even if it’s technically legal, it’s not ethical to keep a wild bunny. They are not domesticated and belong in their natural environment.

How do I prevent a baby bunny from getting diarrhea?

Avoid overfeeding, and ensure the formula is properly diluted. Introduce new foods gradually. If diarrhea occurs, reduce the amount of formula and offer plain Timothy hay. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator if the diarrhea persists.

What are the signs of dehydration in a baby bunny?

Signs of dehydration include lethargy, dry mouth, and skin that tents when pinched. You can try offering a small amount of unflavored Pedialyte to help rehydrate the bunny.

Where can I find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator?

You can search online directories of wildlife rehabilitators, or contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or veterinary clinic for referrals. Time is of the essence, so act quickly.

How do I keep the baby bunny warm enough?

Baby bunnies are very susceptible to hypothermia. Keep the bunny in a box lined with soft cloths and a heating pad set on low, wrapped in a towel, placed under half of the box. This allows the bunny to move away from the heat if it gets too warm.

What is the best way to release a rescued baby bunny?

Choose a safe location with plenty of natural food sources and shelter, away from roads and predators. Consider a soft release, providing a sheltered outdoor enclosure for a week or two to allow the bunny to acclimate.

What if the mother bunny returns after I’ve already intervened?

If the mother bunny returns and appears healthy, you can attempt to return the baby bunny to its nest. Wear gloves to avoid transferring your scent. Monitor the nest to ensure the mother is still caring for the young. If you see no sign of her for 24 hours, reassume care.