Recently I was given two angora bunnies those mother died while giving birth to them. They are now five days old. I started giving them goats milk twice a day for three days and have now switched to kitten formula twice a day. (I do have a book that says to feed them twice a day until they are two weeks ago, then feed them once a day). My question is approximately how much are you supposed to feed them? We give them about 1/2 tablespoon in a bottle twice a day. Does that sound okay? Also, they started to have messy feces - sort of orange like. Is this normal - does it come from the kitten formula? Also, should we be cleaning out the nesting box on a regular basis? I know the mother takes care of keeping it clean to a certain extent but should I remove all the newspaper, wool, etc. and replace it with new? I would appreciate any help, input, etc. in this matter. This is our first experiece raising orphaned newborn rabbits and my children and I are already attached to them and don't want to loose them. Thank you for all your help! It is really appreciated!

-- Beth (cafemocha@ivillage.com), May 13, 2001

Answers

If you do not loose them you will be the first person I know to hand raise New born Rabbits. The mother licks or nuzzles their bellies to help aid in digestion. I fear this is why you are having strange color feces. We have tried to do what you are doing...I mean what else can you do? If you had another mother with kits the same age you could wipe down your kits with vanilla then rub a lot on the nose of the other mother and place youe kits with her. when the sent wears off she will have taken them as her own... Good luck and please let me know if they make it. Like I said if they do it will be a first for me Grant

-- grant (organicgrange@yahoo.com), May 13, 2001.

I have never heard of it either, and we have had lots of rabbits over the years. Good luck to you, I don't even see how you have a bottle small enough for them. I would keep the box clean and dry for them. You have kept them alive for 5 days, that's a long time for baby rabbits! I really don't know about the amount of milk. Do they hop when you put your hand over them in the box? All our babies do, they think it's the momma comming. Try putting 'orphaned baby rabbits' in www.google.com. That's a good search engine, and you should get some results, probably even this thread!

-- Cindy in KY (solidrockranch@hotmail.com), May 14, 2001.

Run to the store and get a carton of acidophlis milk in the dairy case. If the mother died, the little ones did not get the colustrum they need. The orange stuff indicates dehydration, the acidolphis milk contains benifical bacteria which treats this. I have no experience with rabbits but other newborns seem to make it better with small feedings often, streach their stomacs slowley, rather than load them up twice a day. Once the stool changes color or texture you are winning; keep that doll bottle sterile.

-- mitch hearn (moopups1@aol.com), May 14, 2001.

Tried this myself many years ago, Beth. Had several does that kindled at once, but one didn't take care of the young, and started killing them. I saved the ones I could, and bottle fed them with a doll bottle. The vet advised me to feed several small feedings each day, more like what they do with their mother. They did fine for several weeks, however, were smaller than the ones being raised by mothers. I got the "bright" idea of putting some rabbit pellets in with the milk, blended up, thinking they needed extra nurishment. NOT. Killed them off in a couple days. This was thirty-some years ago, and good thing I've learned a thing or two in the meantime! Good luck, and let us know if they make it. Jan

-- Jan in Co (Janice12@aol.com), May 14, 2001.

Hi Beth, Just to tell you that baby rabbits eat on their backs not like kittens and puppies.

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), May 14, 2001.

I'm not sure about the feeding. My book says that they only nurse once per day....

I've never had to do that - always had another nursing doe. But, by the time they are two weeks old, they are already starting on dry feed - at least mine have. Mine have always been weaned from the mother completely by the time they are four to five weeks old.

If they have runny stool, try cutting back - not on the number of feedings, but a little of the volume. If it continues, try one feeding. Make sure they have access to water as soon as they are about a week old... At about two weeks, put a few pellets in a jar lid so they can try it if they want to.

I'm not sure if the formula is the problem, either. Cats eat meat... Rabbits don't. But, I don't know what else you could give them as a replacement, either.

I wouldn't take out ALL the newspaper, but cleaning up the really wet and soiled parts would be fine - if you want to. Ours start eating the paper and Mama's fur about the time they are two weeks old. Too much change will upset the babies, and they will have problems. Leave the wool, though - they are probably used to its scent - and its warmth.

I'll be thinking of you guys and your little charges! GOOD LUCK!!!!

-- Sue Diederich (willow666@rocketmail.com), May 14, 2001.

Your on the right track, kitten milk is closest to rabbit milk although goat milk can work to.remember to use a warm wet paper towel to clean there private area as this helps them to eliminate wastes [ poops]keep nest semi clean but not immaculate. Just try to do what doe would, 5 days is great, sounds like they may make it ,good luck.

-- kathy h (ckhart55@earthlink.net), May 15, 2001.

Just to let you know - we lost one of the baby bunnies but the other one is 10 days old today and seems to be doing good. We are waiting for his eyes to open any time. Thanks again for all of your advise and help out there. I was able to find someone near me that raised baby rabbits before and she has been a lot of help. Thanks again!

-- Beth (cafemocha@ivillage.com), May 18, 2001.

something similar is happening to me right now, except the mother was killing off the babies so i took her out and so far they lived a day and seem pretty healthy.I am feeding them milk in a eye dropper 5 times a day. I hope that helps you and maybe we could share ideas.

-marina

-- marina (tropical_paradise@hotmail.com), June 28, 2001.

I recently found a wild bunny, not more than 7-10 days old in the parking lot of my office building. I called wildlife Rehabilitation, and they suggested puppy replacement (Esbilac) 2cc 3x's a day, or until he's had enough. The first attempt he screamed bloody murder, but quickly adjusted to nursing- and how very sweet it is. Be gentle with the noses, as they are split, and more likely the formula can go up the nose. I kept a soft tissue, and wiped the little guy down frequently, until we had a good system. He fits in the palm of my hand and some how has managed to intimidate the five cats in my house. I am now introducing clover, basil, romaine, apples, dry plain oatmeal- a few soft stuffed buddies, and he is a a happy little bunny.

-- Kathy (kmwakak8@aol.com), July 24, 2001.

Feed your babies pureed spinach with a syringe without the needle! Feed them twice a day (every 12 hours) Either baby spinach or puree your own. This works & they don't get the diarrhea.

-- Judi Amon (peacelane@certainty.net), September 26, 2001.