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When feeding orphaned baby bunnies, a suitable bunny milk replacement is essential to ensure their survival and proper development.
It is crucial to provide a formula specifically designed for rabbits, such as kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat milk with added cream, as these closely mimic the nutritional content of rabbit milk.
Understanding the Need for Milk Replacement
Orphaned baby bunnies, or kits, rely entirely on their mother’s milk during the first few weeks of life. If the mother is unavailable, it becomes necessary to provide a suitable replacement to meet the kits’ nutritional needs. Rabbit milk is highly concentrated, so not all milk replacers are appropriate for bunnies.
Recommended Milk Replacements
- Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR): KMR is a popular choice for feeding orphaned bunnies. It’s high in protein and fat, which are essential for the growth of baby rabbits.
- Goat Milk with Added Cream: Goat milk can be used as a base, but it’s essential to add cream to increase the fat content to better match the richness of rabbit milk.
- Homemade Rabbit Formula: A mix of KMR, goat milk, and a small amount of heavy cream can create a more accurate replica of rabbit milk.
For more on rabbit nutrition, check out our guide on feeding baby bunnies.
How to Feed Orphaned Baby Bunnies
Feeding orphaned baby bunnies requires careful attention and a consistent routine.
Newborns should be fed twice a day using a small syringe or dropper, making sure to feed them slowly to avoid aspiration.
The formula should be warmed to about 100°F before feeding.
After each feeding, gently stimulate the bunny’s genital area with a warm, damp cloth to help them urinate and defecate, as they need assistance with these functions.
Weaning Baby Bunnies
Weaning typically begins around 4 weeks of age. Start introducing small amounts of solid food, like hay and pellets, while gradually reducing the formula.
Transitioning to Solid Food
- Hay: Offer fresh hay to help with digestion and wear down growing teeth.
- Pellets: Introduce high-quality rabbit pellets formulated for young rabbits.
- Water: Ensure fresh water is always available.
