Feeding baby rabbits properly is crucial for their healthy growth and development. Whether you’re caring for an orphaned baby rabbit or raising a young pet, understanding what to feed them at different stages is essential to ensure they thrive. Here’s a comprehensive guide to feeding baby rabbits, including what they need from birth to adulthood.

1. What to Feed Newborn Baby Rabbits (0-3 Weeks Old)

At birth, baby rabbits (kits) are highly dependent on their mother for nourishment. If you find an orphaned baby rabbit, you’ll need to feed it properly to ensure survival.

Do Not Feed Cow's Milk

Cow's milk is not safe for baby rabbits. It can cause severe digestive issues like diarrhea and dehydration, which can be fatal. Always avoid giving them cow’s milk.

Milk Replacer

The best option for feeding newborn baby rabbits is kitten milk replacer. Kitten milk replacer, such as KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer), is formulated to closely mimic the nutritional profile of rabbit milk. It contains the right balance of fats, proteins, and nutrients needed for the baby’s growth.

• Feeding Frequency: In the first few weeks, feed the baby rabbit every 2-3 hours, including at night. As the rabbit grows, you can reduce the frequency to every 4-6 hours.
• Feeding Amount: For newborn kits, feed 1-2 ml per feeding. Gradually increase the amount as they grow.
• Feeding Equipment: Use a small syringe or kitten bottle to feed. Always hold the baby rabbit in a natural upright position to prevent choking or aspiration.

Hydration

If the baby rabbit is older than a week, you can also offer fresh, clean water in addition to milk replacer. Use a shallow dish or a syringe for easy access.

Stimulation for Elimination

Baby rabbits can’t urinate or defecate on their own until they are around 3 weeks old. After feeding, gently rub the baby’s genital area with a warm, damp cotton ball or soft cloth to stimulate them to urinate and defecate.

2. What to Feed Baby Rabbits (3-6 Weeks Old)

At around 3 weeks of age, baby rabbits begin to transition to solid foods, although they will still need milk replacer for a while.

Hay

• Introduce timothy hay or other grass hays (like meadow hay) as their first solid food. Hay is critical for a baby rabbit’s digestive health and helps keep their teeth healthy. Provide it at all times, and let them nibble as they please.

Fresh Greens

• At this stage, you can offer small amounts of soft leafy greens such as:
  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Dandelion leaves
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Carrot tops (in moderation)

Avoid feeding them iceberg lettuce, as it has little nutritional value and can cause digestive upset.

Pellets

• You can begin introducing young rabbit pellets, which are specially formulated for baby rabbits. Choose high-quality pellets with fiber content around 18-20% and avoid those with added sugar or artificial colors. Offer a small portion of pellets daily.

Milk Replacer

• Continue feeding kitten milk replacer for a few more weeks, but reduce the frequency to every 4-6 hours. By now, baby rabbits should be eating more solid foods and may gradually decrease their milk intake.

Feeding Schedule

• At 3-4 weeks, feed milk replacer 3-4 times per day, and offer hay and fresh greens as complementary foods.
• At 4-6 weeks, feed milk replacer 2-3 times per day, and increase the amount of hay and greens offered.

3. What to Feed Baby Rabbits (6-8 Weeks Old)

At this stage, baby rabbits are fully weaned from milk and should be eating solid food. However, you can still offer milk replacer for a little while to ensure they’re getting enough nutrients.

Hay

• Continue providing unlimited hay, such as timothy hay, to promote good digestion and dental health. Meadow hay and orchard grass hay are good alternatives as well.

Fresh Vegetables

• Baby rabbits at this age can begin to eat a wider variety of fresh vegetables, including:
  • Romaine lettuce
  • Cilantro
  • Parsley
  • Basil
  • Spinach (in moderation)
  • Dandelion greens
  • Carrot tops
  • Broccoli (in moderation)

Avoid feeding high-sugar vegetables like carrots too often.

Pellets

• Offer high-quality rabbit pellets designed for young rabbits or adults, with at least 18% fiber. Continue providing a small portion of pellets each day, but ensure the majority of their diet consists of hay and fresh greens.

Water

• Always provide fresh, clean water in a bottle or bowl. Make sure the water is easily accessible at all times.

4. What to Feed Baby Rabbits (Over 8 Weeks Old)

Once baby rabbits are over 8 weeks old, they are generally ready to eat a fully adult rabbit diet.

Hay

• Continue providing unlimited timothy hay or other grass hay. Hay should always make up the majority of their diet.

Fresh Vegetables

• At this age, baby rabbits can eat a variety of fresh vegetables and leafy greens. You can start offering more dark leafy greens like:
  • Kale
  • Swiss chard
  • Mustard greens
  • Dandelion greens

Just be sure to introduce vegetables gradually to avoid digestive issues.

Pellets

• By now, you can start switching to adult rabbit pellets. Look for high-fiber pellets (at least 18-20% fiber) with no added sugars or artificial ingredients.

Water

• Always ensure that your rabbit has access to fresh, clean water. Rabbits need to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support digestion.

5. Foods to Avoid for Baby Rabbits

Certain foods are harmful or difficult for baby rabbits to digest, so it’s important to avoid them:

• Cow’s milk: Never feed baby rabbits cow's milk.
• Iceberg lettuce: Has little nutritional value and can cause diarrhea.
• High-sugar fruits: Such as bananas, grapes, and apples. These should only be given sparingly as treats.
• Processed or human food: Avoid giving baby rabbits processed foods like bread, cereal, or any type of junk food.
• Nuts, seeds, or grains: These can upset their digestive system and are not suitable for rabbits.

Conclusion

Feeding baby rabbits requires attention to detail to ensure they receive the right balance of nutrition for healthy growth. Start with milk replacer for newborns, then gradually introduce hay, fresh greens, and pellets as they mature. By the time they are 8 weeks old, baby rabbits should be weaned off milk and eating a full diet of hay, fresh vegetables, and rabbit pellets. Always avoid harmful foods and keep them hydrated with plenty of fresh water.

If you’re ever unsure about your baby rabbit's diet or health, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian experienced with rabbits for guidance. Proper care during their early stages will help them grow into healthy, happy adult rabbits.