Being a caretaker to baby rabbits whose mother is not around is a delicate task. Babies require milk of their mother to survive, and in case they lack it, they also need special care, the correct diet, and attention. The most important thing in ensuring that the rabbits remain alive and well is to know what to feed baby rabbits in the absence of a mother when it is known that the mother is dead, rejects her litter or cannot nurse the baby rabbits.
Babies: Knowing Baby Rabbits
Baby rabbits or kits are born blind, naked and very weak. Their mother feeds them once or twice a day in the wild which is very nutritious milk. This indicates the strength and the richness of rabbit milk and why imitating it is not an easy task. This is because the commercial rabbit milk is not available and therefore, the caretakers are forced to resort to the safe substitutes that offer the same nutrition.
The Best Milk Substitute Replacement of Baby Rabbits
In the case of the kind of food to feed baby rabbits, the absence of a mother, kitten milk replacer (KMR) is largely considered as one of the safest and effective foods to serve them. It is present in pet stores and is meant to sustain young animals which need a lot of fat and protein. There are also caretakers who substitute with goat milk due to the fact that it is easily digested as compared to cow milk. The cow milk, however, must never be used, as it may upset the digestive system of a rabbit, and even kill him.
When using KMR or goat milk, it is usually suggested to add a little heavy cream to better make it simulate the fat content of rabbit milk. Warming the mixture slightly to be able to feed a rabbit is also a good idea because cold milk can shock the fragile body of the baby rabbit.
Orphaned Baby Rabbits Feeding Schedule
The number of times to feed the rabbit varies depending on the age of the rabbit. Babies require small well-weighed quantities of medication twice a day like a mother would to nurse them. The problem of overfeeding can be as dangerous as the one of underfeeding, so a strict control of the portions is needed. With the age of the rabbits, the quantity of milk grows and the frequency also decreases gradually.
In handling the kits, care should be taken and feeding done with a small syringe or dropper. Kitten bottles may also be used but it is better to use syringes. Do not press the milk out too fast since it may make the rabbit aspirate the fluid into its lungs hence resulting in pneumonia.
Introducing Solid Foods
Baby rabbits start gnashing hard food at three weeks. This is the point that alfalfa hay and the high-quality rabbit pellets ought to be added in extremely low quantities. There must also be fresh water at all times. Hay is vital especially as it facilitates a good digestion and dental condition.
At six to eight weeks of age, the rabbits are expected to be fully transitioned to a diet of hay, pellets and fresh leaf greens. They can be introduced to vegetables gradually like romaine lettuce, parsley and carrot tops so they can get used to them without stomach complications.
The Significance of Stimulating the Digestive System
A lack of awareness regarding the necessity of stimulating the digestion of the baby rabbits without the mother is one of the most neglected points in the upbringing of the rabbits. During the first fortnight of life, mother rabbits lick the belly and bottom of their kits in order to induce urination and bowel movements. Lack of this stimulation means that kits cannot dispose themselves in a normal manner, which can soon turn out to be life threatening.
This process is to be repeated by you as a caretaker by rubbing the genital region of the kits with warm moist ball of cotton or soft cloth after every feeding. The practice assists them to eliminate waste and maintain their system in normal operation.
The most common errors made when nursing baby rabbits
In situations when individuals inquire about what to give baby rabbits in the absence of a mother, they may easily make error due to lack of experience or due to false information. The greatest error is the provision of cow milk, which is in no way safe among rabbits. The other error is to feed on too much milk at a time and this may jam their small stomachs. Other caregivers are even adding solid food to early, resulting in stomach upsets and diarrhea.
Another risk is the lack of hygiene. Syringes or droppers used to feed the animals should also be sterilized and cleaned to avoid bacterial infection. As rabbits are highly immunologically weak, always wash your hands before touching baby rabbits.
Establishing a Caring and Nurturing Climate
Warmth is essential in survival along with proper feeding. During the first weeks of life, baby rabbits are unable to control the body temperature. They cannot be left without the body heat of their mother in any soft nest. A clean towel-lined or hay-lined small box will do, and a heating pad on low may be put underneath some portion of the box.
The nest must not be too hot or too cold, because it is just as unsafe to overheat it as to chill it. It is best that the temperature is kept at approximately 75-80 o F. When their nest is properly laid the baby rabbits will utilize their energy to grow instead of warming up.
When to Seek Veterinary Help?
Rabbits need specialized care and not all is possible to do at home when feeding an orphaned rabbit. In case you realize that the kits are failing to put on the crucial weight, appear weak, or are not willing to eat, immediate veterinary advice is required. Another symptom that shows that professional assistance is needed is diarrhea, bloating, or complications with breathing after feeding.
A vet will be able to prescribe the appropriate formula and dosage and even show safe methods of feeding. They can also prescribe drugs to enhance probabilities of survival in some instances.
Conclusion
The secret to saving the lives of the little rabbits is knowing what to feed them in the absence of a mother. Kitten milk replacer or goat milk combined with cream is the most appropriate substitute of mother milk, which is to be fed with a syringe or a dropper. Strict feeding schedule, adequate stimulation of digestion and slow intake of solid food are also essential in raising healthy rabbits. It is equally important to offer warmth, cleanliness and close attention. Even orphaned baby rabbits can become strong and happy adults with the help of patience, care and the right diet.