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Rabbits are often seen as adorable and wonderful pets, and there’s no doubt that caring for a newborn rabbit requires knowledge and dedication. Whether you’ve stumbled upon a helpless baby rabbit in your backyard or deliberately adopted one, it’s crucial to understand how to properly care for it. In this guide, we will explore the essential aspects of nurturing a newborn rabbit, from creating a suitable living environment to feeding it the right diet. By following these tips, you will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide optimal care for your precious furry friend.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 41,230 times.
You realize or suspect a female rabbit is pregnant. So what to do now? You need to know how to get ready for your rabbit and line the litter during this sensitive time, as well as ensure the health of your newborn rabbit.
Steps
Preparing for the birth of a newborn rabbit
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- 16-18 percent protein
- 18-22 percent fiber
- 3 percent fat or less
- The mother rabbit needs to drink clean water, so you should change the water 2-3 times a day. [2] XResearch Source
- You can supplement your rabbit’s diet during pregnancy and weaning of her baby rabbits by feeding her with dried alfalfa to provide extra protein. [3] XResearch Sources
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- It’s best to keep the male rabbit close enough to the female rabbit separated by a separate cage. Rabbits tend to bond closely, and being close to a male rabbit will help reduce unnecessary stress during pregnancy and childbirth. [5] XResearch Sources
- NOTE: Never lift a rabbit by the nape of the neck as shown in the illustration.
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- Put plenty of fresh grass (no fertilizers or pesticides), straw, or hay in the nest for the rabbit to rest. [7] XResearch Source Place the straw on a clean, unbleached towel just to avoid entanglement with the newborn rabbit. [8] XResearch Sources
- Female rabbits often show signs of rearranging the litter or pulling extra fur on the nest, signaling that the time of birth is near. [9] XResearch Source
- The litter and litter tray of the mother rabbit should be placed at both ends and away from each other to avoid complications for the newborn rabbit. [10] XResearch Source
- You should also place the cage in a dark and quiet location. Places that are too noisy will cause undue stress on the mother as well as the baby rabbits. [11] XResearch Source
Newborn rabbit care
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- You also have to clear the placenta in the nest.
- Don’t be afraid to touch your newborn rabbit because the mother rabbit is used to your smell.
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- Providing enough nutrients to the mother rabbit prevents the female rabbit from eating the baby rabbit. [16] XResearch Source
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- If the mother rabbit folds the litter on her own, especially if she pulls her hair, it means that the mother rabbit is paying attention to her maternal instincts. The problem may simply be that the veterinarian prescribes a small amount of oxytocin to help the mother to produce milk. [21] XResearch Source
- You should also contact your veterinarian if more than eight newborn rabbits are born, because the mother may not be able to take care of them all. If the female rabbit has more than eight children or abandons the newborn and does not breastfeed, your veterinarian will give you instructions on how to raise the newborn rabbit. However, the results are often unsuccessful as there is no such thing as a complete formula that is suitable for newborn rabbits. [22] XResearch Source
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- You should avoid giving your rabbit grass and greens for the first few months because potential digestive complications can occur. You can feed small amounts when the rabbit is two months old, but should stop providing immediately if there are problems related to the intestines such as diarrhea. [26] XResearch Source You can feed baby rabbits carrots, lettuce, and kale. [27] XResearch Source
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Advice
- Don’t worry that the mother rabbit is not spending time with the baby rabbits. Rabbits do not stay with their cubs all day like cats and dogs, because in the wild this will attract the attention of predators. Rabbits only go to the nest to breastfeed once or twice a day.
- Always try to resuscitate newborn rabbits if they are ‘dead’ or frozen.
- Baby rabbits are born hairless and have their eyes closed.
- The number of rabbits in a litter depends on the breed of rabbit. (1-12 for large breeds, and 1-10 for small breeds.)
- Newborn rabbits do not open their eyes for about 10-12 days.
- The mother rabbit never moves her cubs, so if the newborn falls out of the nest, you need to put them back in. You do not need to worry because the mother rabbit will continue to take care of her baby even if you touch it.
- Rabbits often lose their first litter, so if you want baby rabbits don’t give up hope. Some mother rabbits after giving birth to 4-5 litters will be able to become proficient in giving birth.
- If it is absolutely certain that the mother does not spend more than 5 minutes a day nursing her baby rabbits you may need to help by forcing the mother rabbit to stay with the baby rabbits until the 5 minutes are up.
- If the female rabbit digs and covers the hole in the same spot at different times of the day (and leaves it with pieces of cloth, grass, roots, and dried leaves), she may have laid in the hole and is giving birth. suckling, then cover to keep the baby safe.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott is a veterinarian with over thirty years of experience. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 and worked as a veterinary surgeon for 7 years. Then, Dr. Elliott worked as a veterinarian in a clinic for over a decade.
There are 10 references cited in this article that you can view at the bottom of the page.
This article has been viewed 41,230 times.
You realize or suspect a female rabbit is pregnant. So what to do now? You need to know how to get ready for your rabbit and line the litter during this sensitive time, as well as ensure the health of your newborn rabbit.
In conclusion, caring for a newborn rabbit requires careful attention and dedication. Providing the right environment, proper nutrition, and regular veterinary care are essential for their healthy development. Regular handling, gentle socialization, and creating a safe and comfortable living space will contribute to their overall well-being. Remember, the first few weeks of a newborn rabbit’s life are crucial, so it is crucial to educate oneself and be prepared for the responsibility that comes with raising a baby rabbit. By following the guidelines and tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your newborn rabbit receives the nurture and care it needs to thrive and lead a happy, healthy life.
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