Whether your rabbit has given birth, or if you've found a litter of orphaned newborn rabbits, there are certain things to know in order to ensure the survival and health of the babies. Taking the steps necessary for their survival does require time, money and effort, but is a gratifying experience. Handle newborn rabbits with great care, as they are quite fragile. Do not be wary of the mother rejecting her young due to the smell left from your touch; domesticated rabbits are accustomed to the scent of humans.
Instructions
1. Cover the floor of the rabbit cage in straw or shredded paper to act as bedding that is easily changed. Replace the bedding when it becomes wet or dirty.
2. Feed the mother rabbit pellets and vegetables to maintain her health. If the mother isn't feeding the newborns or if there is no mother, continue to Step 3. If the mother is feeding the newborns, continue to Step 5.
3. Feed the newborns kitten formula twice a day using a kitten bottle. A newborn ideally receives 5 cc of formula total daily and 0.5 cc of Lactobacillus acidophilus, a beneficial bacteria that helps strengthen the immune system. At 1 week of age, the daily formula intake is 15 to 25 cc, and 1 cc of the acidophilus. At 2 weeks of age, intake increases to 25 to 27 cc and 1 cc of the acidophilus. At 3 weeks, intake is 30 cc of formula and 2 cc of acidophilus daily.
4. Use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to wash the newborns' faces and bottoms once daily.
5. Wean the newborns off of the formula after they reach 4 weeks of age. This is done by introducing them to alfalfa, grass, timothy hay and water. This is a gradual process and requires patience.
6. Create an area for the newborns where they may hop around and get some exercise. Make sure it is a safe, enclosed area to avoid injury to the rabbits.
Tags: acidophilus weeks, acidophilus weeks intake, continue Step, feeding newborns, mother feeding