You can find abandoned baby bunnies in your yard if you think you need to nurse them.If you have pet rabbits, you might think the baby bunnies are not being nursed properly because they don't see the mother rabbit.In the wild and captivity mothers only nurse their babies for five minutes a day.If there is evidence that the mother is neglecting the bunny, then you should only nurse the rabbits yourself.If you want to nurse a baby rabbit, you need to choose the correct formula, use a syringe, and position the bunny correctly.
Step 1: The correct formula can be chosen.
kitten milk replacer or goat milk is the best way to feed your baby bunny.You can get these items from a store.Rabbit's milk has more calories than other milks, so you need to add calories to the formula.The heavy whipping cream has no added sugar.
Step 2: Give them a warm formula.
You want to make sure you heat the formula when feeding the bunny.The formula should be warm.It should be the same temperature as an infant.The formula should not be microwaved.Place the formula in a container.Put hot water into a bowl and place the needle in it until it reaches a warm temperature.
Step 3: The formula needs to be protected from being contaminated.
You should not feed your bunny contaminated formula.One way to avoid this is to throw away all the formula after you use it.Check formula every time you make it to make sure it doesn't go bad.Look for a lump, a skin on top, or a change in color.
Step 4: To give the formula, use a needle.
The best way to give the bunny the formula is with a needle.The method helps get the formula into the mouth.Make sure the needle has been removed.When the bunny is first born, try a 1cc needle.When the bunny is older, use a 3mL syringe.You can get them from your vet or pet store.You can use an eyedropper.
Step 5: Hold the needle in your hand.
To avoid suffocating the bunny, you want to hold the eyedropper properly.If you want to get the needle in the mouth, you have to move it side to side.It should be moved to the front of the mouth.The throat should not be pointed at the side or bottom of the mouth.If too much formula comes out, this protects the bunny.
Step 6: The bunny needs to be placed correctly.
The bunny should be on their backs when you feed them.They wouldn't naturally nurse this way.It could cause them to choke on the milk.Keep them upright.The head is slightly higher than the body.Don't hold the bunny too tight, make sure you have a good hold on them.It can be hard for them to breathe and nurse.Feed the bunny close to the floor.It's safer if the bunny jumps out of your hand.
Step 7: Understand nurse bunnies slowly.
The majority of bunnies take their time as they eat.This is normal.Don't try to make the bunny eat faster than they want.The bunny should be given enough time to nurse at their own pace.It's important to go slow with the needle.The bunny should get all the formula before pushing any more.
Step 8: Don't feed the bunny.
Babies resist being fed at first, so you need to be patient.If the rabbit spits out the needle, wet the baby's lips with milk and try again.Continue to repeat the process until the bunny willingly takes the milk.Take a break if you get frustrated or the baby becomes upset.
Step 9: It's important to give the bunny enough food throughout the day.
Feed the baby rabbit the correct amount of times throughout the day when you nurse them.They may be too hungry if only they are fed once or twice a day.Feed the bunny multiple times.Feed them small meals when they are first born.If they are into their second week, reduce that to around three to four hours.You may be able to spread out the feedings again by the fourth week.Make sure to check with a vet or rabbit expert to make sure you feed the bunny the correct amount for its age.You might have to feed the bunnies less.It depends on the breed of bunny.As long as the babies are gaining weight, you are fine.
Step 10: To know when to stop feeding, watch the signals.
Don't feed the bunny more than they want.The bunny will let you know when they are full, even if you think they need to keep eating.The bunny gives signals.It is time for them to stop trying to get the formula.The bunny has a tummy.You can stop when it starts to get slightly rounded.They have had enough.It is time to feed them again if they start crying.
Step 11: Feed the correct amount.
You want to make sure you give your bunny the right amount of food.You can have a general idea of the amount of formula needed each day if you spread it out over your feedings.You should increase the amount of food you give the bunnies.Newborns should get around four to five liters of formula.You should give them 10 to 15cc in week two.Shoot for 15 to 30cc after week three.
Step 12: You need to wash your hands.
Before and after feeding the baby bunnies, make sure to wash your hands.Use hot water to wash.Rub your hands on fresh hay to make them more appealing to the baby bunny.
Step 13: Help the bunny get rid of waste.
The bunny needs help to urinate and defecate.After you nurse them, this should be done.Take a damp cloth or cotton ball and stroke the bunny.The bunny needs to start urinating and defecating.Continue to stroke the bunny.You should only have to do this for a couple of weeks.
Step 14: Add hay and pellets.
pellet and hay can be added to the baby's food when they open their eyes.If the baby bunny wants hay and pellets, put them in the corner of their box or nest.Don't give the bunny fruit or vegetables just yet.If you want to use plain pellets, use seeds or banana chips.The pellets should be high in fiber.Try timothy, orchard, or alfalfa hay.
Step 15: The bunny might need to be nursed.
Chances are your baby bunnies are being nursed.You may not see the nurse.rabbits only nurse their babies a few times a day.Babies that are healthy will have pink skin, be warm and active.If the babies are cold, are crying throughout the day, have a bluish color, and are not gaining weight, it's time to check for neglect.If you don't see the mother, try not to disturb the wild nest of baby bunnies.Mother rabbits leave their babies in the wild to protect the nest.If you have an orphan bunny or a neglected bunny, you may need to nurse them.