Wild baby rabbits, also known as kits, have specific dietary needs to support their growth and development. Their diet largely depends on their age, the availability of food in their environment, and their mother's feeding habits. Here's an in-depth look at what wild baby rabbits eat and how they are nourished during their early stages of life.

1. What Wild Baby Rabbits Eat at Birth

At birth, wild baby rabbits are completely dependent on their mother for nourishment. They are born without fur, blind, and unable to move, so they rely entirely on their mother's milk for the first few weeks.

1.1. Mother's Milk

• Rabbit Milk: The mother rabbit (doe) nurses her babies only a couple of times a day, but her milk is very rich and nutritious. Rabbit milk is known to have high fat and protein content, which helps the babies grow quickly.
• The mother will typically nurse her young in the early morning and evening, as rabbit mothers generally do not stay with their babies throughout the day. This behavior also helps reduce the risk of attracting predators to the nest.

2. Transition to Solid Food: Weaning Period

At around 3-4 weeks old, wild baby rabbits begin to transition from milk to solid food. This is the weaning period when their digestive systems start to adapt to a more varied diet.

2.1. Grass and Hay

• Grass: As soon as baby rabbits start nibbling on solid food, they often begin with grass. Wild rabbits primarily graze on grasses and plants, and young kits learn this behavior from their mother as they begin to explore their environment.
• Hay: Wild rabbits also consume various types of hay, which is rich in fiber. While they might not directly eat hay at first, they will gradually start to incorporate it into their diet as they learn to chew it.

2.2. Green Plants and Leaves

• Wild baby rabbits will also begin to nibble on various green plants and leaves. These might include dandelion greens, clover, and other tender herbs and weeds that are common in their environment. The variety of plants they eat provides them with essential nutrients and helps develop their digestive system.
• Weeds and Wildflowers: Along with grasses and leaves, they may also consume some wildflowers, such as daisies and plantain, which are naturally found in their habitat.

3. Additional Foods as They Grow

By the time wild baby rabbits reach 5-6 weeks old, they are more capable of eating solid foods and foraging for themselves. They begin to explore their surroundings more and try different types of plants. Here's what they may consume as they continue to grow:

3.1. Bark and Shrubs

• As baby rabbits mature, they may begin to eat tree bark and shrubs. These items are especially important during the winter months when fresh grasses and tender plants are scarce. They may nibble on twigs, bark, and woody plants to supplement their diet.

3.2. Fruits and Vegetables

• While fruits and vegetables are not a primary food source for wild rabbits, in areas where they are available, they might eat wild fruits such as berries or fallen apples. However, they will typically stick to more fibrous and leafy foods as their primary source of nourishment.

4. How Wild Baby Rabbits Learn to Forage

• Wild baby rabbits learn how to forage for food by observing their mother. The mother will introduce them to different types of plants and teach them what is safe to eat and what to avoid. This social learning is crucial for the survival of young rabbits.
• In some cases, the mother will take the kits to different areas where food is abundant, allowing them to practice nibbling on grass, leaves, and other plant materials.

5. Nutritional Needs of Wild Baby Rabbits

• Fiber: Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems that require a high-fiber diet. Grasses, hay, and leaves provide the necessary fiber to maintain healthy digestion.
• Water: Wild baby rabbits typically obtain all the water they need from the foods they eat, particularly from grasses and fresh plants. They generally do not need to drink water directly unless they are older and begin to consume a wider variety of foods.
• Proteins and Fats: While protein and fat are primarily supplied by the mother’s milk in the first few weeks, once the kits start eating solid foods, they get these nutrients from grasses, plants, and the occasional wildflower.

6. What Wild Baby Rabbits Do Not Eat

• Wild baby rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat only plant material. They do not consume any form of meat or insects.
• They also do not typically eat foods that are too tough, starchy, or high in sugar. For example, cultivated vegetables such as potatoes, onions, or carrots are not part of their natural diet, although they may nibble on small amounts of carrots in certain environments.

7. What to Do if You Find an Orphaned Wild Baby Rabbit

If you come across a wild baby rabbit that appears orphaned or abandoned, it’s best to avoid feeding it right away. Handling and feeding wild rabbits improperly can do more harm than good. Here are some steps to take:

7.1. Leave the Rabbit Alone

• Often, the mother is nearby and will return to care for the baby. Wild rabbits are very protective and often hide their young to keep them safe from predators. The baby may not be abandoned after all.

7.2. Contact Wildlife Rehabilitators

• If you believe the baby rabbit is truly orphaned or in danger, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They can provide the proper care, including feeding, that the baby rabbit needs to survive.

7.3. Feeding Wild Baby Rabbits

• If advised by a professional rehabilitator to feed a baby rabbit, you should only provide formula designed for baby rabbits, not cow's milk. Wild rabbits have very specific nutritional needs, and improper feeding can cause harm.

Conclusion

Wild baby rabbits primarily eat their mother's milk during the first few weeks of life and gradually begin to forage for solid food such as grass, leaves, and tender plants. As they grow, they expand their diet to include bark, shrubs, and occasionally fruits. Their diet is carefully adapted to provide them with the necessary nutrients for survival in the wild, and they rely on their mother's guidance to learn what foods are safe to eat. If you encounter a wild baby rabbit, it's important to assess the situation carefully and consult a wildlife rehabilitator if necessary.