Baby bunnies are cute and fragile, and their nutrition should be well taken care of when still in their tender stage. Whether it’s looking after a bunny orphan or the litter of a pet rabbit, one should know what to feed the baby bunnies for them to stay healthy and grow. In this article, we will discuss everything one should know about feeding the baby bunnies from their first day on to weaning.
1. Newborn Baby Bunnies: Mother’s Milk is Vital
The baby bunnies would entirely depend on the mother’s milk during the first weeks of their lives. If all things go as they should be, the mother rabbit will nurse her kits and provide the required nutrients, antibodies, and energy to grow. Typically, mother rabbits would feed their babies once or probably twice a day, so there’s nothing to be concerned about when you see no non-stop feeding.
What If the Mother Isn’t Available?
If you are rearing an orphaned kit, then you will have to feed them a suitable replacement for their mother’s milk. Commonly used is Kitten Milk Replacer, but a more natural alternative is goat’s milk. Avoid giving cow’s milk since it upsets their tender stomachs.
Pro Tip: Warm the milk substitute to body temperature and feed using a small syringe or dropper. Feed the baby rabbits twice a day until they are about three weeks old.
2. Transition Period: Introducing Solid Foods
Baby rabbits begin to take solid foods at around 3-4 weeks old. Now it is time to add fresh hay into the diet of the babies as they grow. Alfalfa hay should be given first since it has a rich amount of calcium and protein, which allow healthy bone growth.
In addition, you can start providing small quantities of pellets that are specially made for baby rabbits. The pellets must be of high quality and growth type.
Hydration:
Always give your little bunny clean water. However, they will not drink much when still nursing, hydration is an important aspect in starting to eat some solid foods.
3. Weaning: Full Transition to Solid Food
Around 6-8 weeks of age, most baby bunnies are weaned off milk completely and switch to a solid diet. At this stage, they should mostly be eating timothy hay with pellets. Alfalfa hay can be given, but it is better to begin the transition to timothy hay because it contains less calcium and will help protect against urinary issues.
In addition to hay and pellets, small amounts of fresh vegetables such as romaine lettuce, parsley, and carrot tops can be provided but only after they are fully weaned. Keep them away from sugary treats or iceberg lettuce as it may upend their stomach.
4. Foods to Avoid
Awareness about those food items that are considered harmful for the baby bunny is a must. Some of these items to avoid in the diet of your bunny include:
- Cow’s milk
- Iceberg lettuce
- Potatoes
- Corn
- Items like sugary snacks-foods with added sugar-can include fruits until they are older.
CONCLUSION
What to feed a baby bunny is important to note for their growth and development. Newborns do best on mother’s milk or goat’s milk substitute, then can start moving to hay, pellets, and fresh vegetables as they get bigger. Proper nutrition is the beginning of a healthy and happy life for your bunny. Always have fresh water available for your bunny, and avoid giving them foods that are toxic to them.
By providing proper nutrition, you are giving the bunny baby the best start!
