Raising an Orphan
This article is intended to help you raise an orphaned domestic rabbit kit based on my experiences. If you are here because you have a wild rabbit, you need to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Wild rabbits are much more difficult to rehabilitate and really need the care of an expert.
The first thing to determine when trying to take care of an orphaned kit, is it's age. If the rabbit is 6 weeks or older, it will be perfectly fine on it's regular diet of hay and pellets. No special care is needed. The only thing you need to do for a kit this age that you wouldn't do for an adult is offer unlimited pellets. I usually free feed until about 12 weeks of age. If the baby is younger than 6 weeks, then determine if there is another doe around that could nurse the orphan. If not, it will be fine on a diet of hay and unlimited pellets so long as it is at least 3 weeks old. If there is a doe that could foster, the kit may benefit from her milk.
If you do not know the age of the kit, then follow this general guideline: If the baby hops well, it should be fine on hay and pellets only. It is best to not start a baby on formula unless it is too young to survive without it, to keep the chances of gastrointestinal problems low. At 3 weeks old, they can thrive without milk. However, if the baby has possibly been fed another type of pellet (like in a rescue situation), then the 3 day hay rule applies. If the baby walks instead of hops, it is likely under 3 weeks of age and needs milk. It is normal for kits to lose a little weight between the 3 and 4 week mark. Their bodies are adjusting to the major change of being fed milk just once or twice a day, to needing and eating solids throughout the day. As such, you may see variances in their feces. Size, shape and consistency can vary from hour to hour. This is completely normal in baby rabbits. If, however, the feces are watery, this IS a medical emergency and veterinary treatment should be sought immediately. You may only have a few hours to save your baby, so do not waste any time. Tarry, small,large, soft, firm, dry, and wet feces are all perfectly normal though, between the ages of 2 and 6 weeks. Butt checks need to be done daily to make sure they stay clean.
If needed, the safest way to offer milk is in a dish. However, if the kit is too young or it's eyes aren't open yet, then you'll have to use a different method. Bottle feeding is extremely dangerous. Even if you can find one small enough for their teeny little baby mouths, they are highly likely to aspirate and die because they cannot cough.
The following video shows an excellent method of feeding small babies that decreases the chance of them aspirating on the formula. They use a make up applicator sponge to administer the milk directly to the baby, and a syringe to add more milk to the sponge as needed.
The first thing to determine when trying to take care of an orphaned kit, is it's age. If the rabbit is 6 weeks or older, it will be perfectly fine on it's regular diet of hay and pellets. No special care is needed. The only thing you need to do for a kit this age that you wouldn't do for an adult is offer unlimited pellets. I usually free feed until about 12 weeks of age. If the baby is younger than 6 weeks, then determine if there is another doe around that could nurse the orphan. If not, it will be fine on a diet of hay and unlimited pellets so long as it is at least 3 weeks old. If there is a doe that could foster, the kit may benefit from her milk.
If you do not know the age of the kit, then follow this general guideline: If the baby hops well, it should be fine on hay and pellets only. It is best to not start a baby on formula unless it is too young to survive without it, to keep the chances of gastrointestinal problems low. At 3 weeks old, they can thrive without milk. However, if the baby has possibly been fed another type of pellet (like in a rescue situation), then the 3 day hay rule applies. If the baby walks instead of hops, it is likely under 3 weeks of age and needs milk. It is normal for kits to lose a little weight between the 3 and 4 week mark. Their bodies are adjusting to the major change of being fed milk just once or twice a day, to needing and eating solids throughout the day. As such, you may see variances in their feces. Size, shape and consistency can vary from hour to hour. This is completely normal in baby rabbits. If, however, the feces are watery, this IS a medical emergency and veterinary treatment should be sought immediately. You may only have a few hours to save your baby, so do not waste any time. Tarry, small,large, soft, firm, dry, and wet feces are all perfectly normal though, between the ages of 2 and 6 weeks. Butt checks need to be done daily to make sure they stay clean.
If needed, the safest way to offer milk is in a dish. However, if the kit is too young or it's eyes aren't open yet, then you'll have to use a different method. Bottle feeding is extremely dangerous. Even if you can find one small enough for their teeny little baby mouths, they are highly likely to aspirate and die because they cannot cough.
The following video shows an excellent method of feeding small babies that decreases the chance of them aspirating on the formula. They use a make up applicator sponge to administer the milk directly to the baby, and a syringe to add more milk to the sponge as needed.
As for formula, most people use KMR or goat's milk, with a little bit of probiotics mixed in to aid the gut.
As soon as their eyes are open they will start eating hay. At this time, you'll also want to offer pellets, though it may take a few days for them to start eating them.
As soon as their eyes are open they will start eating hay. At this time, you'll also want to offer pellets, though it may take a few days for them to start eating them.
Approximate Age |
Milestone to Watch |
How to Care for It. |
0 to 2 Weeks |
Eyes are still closed |
Keep in a warm, wool lined and covered nest. Feed formula if no foster doe available. |
2-3 Weeks |
Eyes are open, baby still crawls around. |
Provide a nest and a play space, wool not needed. Feed formula and hay if no foster doe available. |
3-4 Weeks |
Baby Hops Slowly. |
No nest needed. Foster doe still advised, otherwise just hay and introduce a few pellets. |
5-6 Weeks |
Baby hops all over the place, and likely binkies every other minute. |
Foster doe could help, especially small kits, but not needed. Feed hay and unlimited pellets. |
7-8 Weeks+ |
Baby acts like a min version of a grown rabbit, but possibly likes to snuggle more. |
Hay and unlimited pellets. Weigh the pros and cons of using a foster doe. Most are fine without. |