Can bunnies survive without their mother. ?

Question

My friends dutch rabbits had 9 babies then an additional 12, then the mother died. She said that the 12 babies are about 4 weeks old and the 9 are about 6. Can anybody recommend advice about how she should take care of the rabbits with no mother. Is there a supplement or a substitute? She wants to give me a bunny but im afraid that if its not done weaning that it may die. Is this a good concern? The babies do eat pellets and grass, drink water and are quite playful but im still not convinced that they'll be ok.

Answer 1

How to Care for Newborn Rabbits

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate:  (8 Ratings)

If a mother rabbit and her new brood or an orphaned litter of bunnies is under your care you will need to take action to make sure the babies remain healthy and reach maturity. Caring for newborn rabbits does take time and dedication, but it is very rewarding to watch these animals grow and mature with a bit of help from you.

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InstructionsDifficulty: Moderate

Assemble a Rabbit Box

Step1Build a nest box for the mother and newborn rabbits. Cardboard boxes that are approximately 12-by-14 inches work well.

Step2Cut small holes in the bottom of the box to allow for drainage, and cut a hole in the front so that the mother (if there is one) can come and go as she pleases. Cut the front hole at least 4 inches up from the bottom so that the baby rabbits won't fall out.

Step3Put hay or shredded newspaper in the box for the mother to build her nest. Make sure to check the condition of the box and replace it when it gets wet or dirty.

Step4Keep the mother rabbit healthy by providing extra pellets and green vegetables and maintain the room at a comfortable temperature of around 70 degrees.

Care and Feeding of Newborn Rabbits

Step1Listen to see if the babies are being fed. If the box is quiet that means all is well. If you hear what sounds like kittens meowing then that means that the babies are not being fed by their mother. If the babies are being fed then skip to Step 5. If the baby rabbits are not being fed then continue to Step 2.

Step2Provide the babies with a kitten feeding bottle. Adjust the hole in the bottle by cutting off the end of the nipple. You will know the hole has been cut to the correct size when just a fine mist of formula comes out when you squeeze it.

Step3Feed the babies either 2 times per day or several small meals throughout the day. Each newborn rabbit can receive a total of 5 cc of kitten formula and 1/2 cc of acidophilus per day. At one week of age they should have 15 to 25 cc of kitten formula and 1 cc of acidophilus per day. At two weeks of age the amount increases to 25 to 27 cc of kitten formula and 1 cc of acidophilus each day, and finally at 3 to 4 weeks daily intake should be 30 cc of kitten formula and 2 cc of acidophilus.

Step4Assist the babies with elimination. This is important when caring for newborn rabbits. Dip a cotton swab into warm water and use it to wash their faces and bottoms.

Step5Introduce alfalfa, grass, timothy hay, and water at around 4 weeks of age. Let them wean off the formula gradually as they become ready for more adult foods.

Step6Baby-proof the area where the rabbits are going to roam. At around 2 to 3 weeks the babies will begin to leave the nest. If you have them in a cage or crate make sure there is no way that they can fall or climb out of it.

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Tips & Warnings

Lactobacillus Acidophilus can be purchased at a health food store and it is a pro biotic



Touching a baby rabbit will not cause the mother to reject them.



If you have found a nest of rabbits and are unsure if the mother has abandoned the nest or not, sprinkle unscented baby powder around the nest or circle it with dental floss and check each day to see if it has been disturbed.



If you find a nest of wild baby rabbits do not assume the mother has abandoned them. Mother rabbits spend most of their time away from the nest so they do not draw attention to the babies. They typically only nurse at night.



When you care for newborn rabbits never try to feed them cow's milk or fruits and vegetables.

              

Answer 2

Although it is not recommended to wean rabbits before they turn 6 weeks, they should be fine. I have raised rabbits that were weaned at this age before. I would not take one from her until they are at least 8 weeks old though. She should keep them on their normal pellets they have been on as well as free choice timothy hay and clean fresh water. Right now that is the only thing that is safe for them. Any treats or supplements (or fresh grass) is not recommended at this age because their digestive systems are going through a very hard transition from living completely off their mamas milk to eating hard pellets and are most susceptible to a vast majority of disease and digestive upsets.

As long as she does this and keeps them in a suitable housing out of the weather they should be fine!