How to Take Care of Baby Bunnies Without Mother
The sight of a nest of orphaned or abandoned baby bunnies can be distressing. Without proper care and intervention, these infants may sadly perish or die. If you have found yourself in the situation of discovering bunnies that have been separated from their mother, either by accident or mortality causes, this comprehensive guide will provide the information you need to give them the best chance at survival.
Caring for newborn orphaned rabbits requires immediate action and dedication. From preparing the proper housing to grooming and feeding, every step must be taken to avoid hypothermia, malnourishment, and other threats. While this endeavor is difficult, it can ultimately be very rewarding to rehabilitate the bunnies to health.
This definitive resource on orphaned baby bunny care will cover every aspect in detail. You’ll learn how to determine if the bunnies are truly orphaned, assemble the ideal nesting space, choose the right nutrition and stimulate bathroom activity, monitor for concerns, and more. With these in-depth, dedicated directions, you can feel confident in providing the necessary care so the bunnies thrive.
While other guides offer only basic information on orphaned bunnies, our goal is to be the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource available online. Let’s get started.
Determining If Bunnies Are Truly Orphaned
If you find a nest of baby bunnies, it can be tricky to determine if they are actually orphaned or if their mother is still caring for them. Wild rabbit mothers intentionally leave the nest unattended for long periods of time while they are out foraging for food. So the first step is observing the situation carefully.
Signs that the nest has been abandoned include deceased bunnies, a disturbed or exposed nest location, or bunnies that are visibly injured or ill. If the babies seem alert and the nest appears intact, the mother is likely still returning periodically. Monitor the nest from a distance for at least 12 hours before intervening.
Estimating the age of the bunnies is also important. Newborn rabbits are virtually helpless, with closed eyes and minimal fur. As they mature into juveniles in the first weeks of life, they will open their eyes and become more alert. If found at the infant stage, bunnies have very little chance of surviving without their mother.
Check each bunny for any signs of injury or lethargy that requires immediate veterinary care. Also note if they seem dehydrated or malnourished. If the bunnies clearly seem abandoned, distressed, or at risk, proceed to creating a safe housing environment.
With close observation and patience, you can determine if bunnies have been separated from their mother and need rescue. If they seem healthy and the nest appears undisturbed, mom is likely still caring for them. Avoid intervening in that case so the babies can grow up wild.
Preparing a Proper Housing Area
If you have determined the bunnies are orphaned, the next urgent step is preparing an enclosed, protective housing area to mimic a natural nest. This will keep the babies safe and comfortable as you provide care.
Find a cardboard box, plastic tub, or small animal cage to serve as the housing base. Line it with soft bedding like fleece blankets, towels, or even shredded paper. Avoid loose fibers that could entangle bunnies. Place the nest container in a quiet, undisturbed spot indoors away from other pets.
Regulating the temperature of the nest area is crucial. Infant bunnies are unable to maintain their own body heat. Use a heating pad or ceramic heat lamp positioned outside one side of the nest box to provide ambient warmth. Monitor to keep the environment at around 90-95°F.
You can also fill plastic bottles with hot water, wrap in towels, and place beside the bunnies for direct warmth. Just take care to avoid overheating. The goal is maintaining a stable temperature to prevent hypothermia. Never leave heating devices unattended.
The housing setup should emulate a secluded burrow or hutch. Offer a "hide" box inside where bunnies can retreat for safety. As they grow bigger, increase the housing size accordingly. The nest area will keep the orphaned babies secure as you tend to their care routine.
Feeding and Hydrating Orphaned Bunnies
Feeding is especially crucial for orphaned bunnies, as they can quickly become malnourished without proper nutrition. There are specialty rabbit milk replacers and kits available, but homemade options also work well.
For a homemade formula, mix 1 cup of goat milk, 1 egg yolk, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp heavy cream or yogurt. Adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand. You can also use kitten formula - just reduce the protein content.
Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to feed drops to newborn bunnies. As they grow, you can use a bottle or syringe. Feed 10-15ml per 3 oz of body weight 2-3 times daily. Overfeeding can be dangerous, so monitor intake.
To encourage bathroom activity, gently massage bunnies' genitals with a warm, damp cloth after feeds. Keep nest lining clean and dry. As they mature, introduce appropriate foods like alfalfa, hay, and vegetables.
Monitor for signs of dehydration like sunken eyes or skin tenting. Check weight routinely to ensure adequate milk intake. Well-fed orphaned bunnies should steadily gain about 5-10 grams per day.
With diligent attention and care, the orphaned babies will get the nutrition they desperately need in order to grow and thrive.
Grooming and Healthcare Needs
Orphaned baby bunnies cannot groom themselves, so replicating the mother’s licking is essential. Use a warm, damp cloth or cotton pad to gently wipe bunnies all over to stimulate them and keep them clean. Pay close attention to genitals and bottoms to prompt urination and defecation.
Check bunnies at each feeding for any signs of illness or concerning symptoms. Normal behaviors like sleeping piled together, energetic movement when awake, and plump bellies after eating are good signs.
Potential red flags include lethargy, hunched posture, loss of appetite, discharge or diarrhea, and dehydration. Isolate any sick bunnies immediately for veterinary treatment. Common ailments include upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, and intestinal parasites.
Your vet may prescribe medications if necessary. Administer these carefully using the directed dosage and method. Antibiotics, anti-parasitics, and probiotics may help get bunnies back to health. Always monitor closely when medicating orphaned infants.
With attentive grooming, nutrition, and health monitoring, you can keep orphaned babies clean, stimulated, and properly cared for.
Nurturing the Growth and Development
The care and housing for the orphaned baby bunnies will change as they grow. Begin introducing them to solid foods such as bunny pellets, oats and alfalfa by about 2 weeks of age. Also, put a shallow dish of water in the cage.
Transition slowly from formula to solid foods over the next several weeks. The housing enclosure will also need to be expanded to give active bunnies more space. Accessorize with some novelty toys, ensuring that they have enough tunnels for a change of scenery. Start litter training when bunnies are around 8 weeks old.
Try getting orphans used to people by handling them gently but regularly. Rub their bodies, examine their feet and ears, until you can lift them up easily. They become closer to you through more optimistic contacts.
During the quick growth of these few months closely monitor orphaned juveniles. Ascertain that they eat well, drink enough water and are developing normally. Weigh on a weekly basis and look out for any signs of sicknesses if any show consult your vet immediately before it gets worse . Separate babies by sex at about 3 months old.
The best-case scenario is rehabilitation with a possible subsequent release into the wild. As they mature into independent adults one should assess their fitness for release back into nature then decide whether to keep them or not until permanent homes can be found through rescue organizations.
Given appropriate care and commitment, orphaned wild rabbits can survive and flourish against all odds.
Caring for Orphaned Bunnies - Final Thoughts
Raising orphaned baby rabbits is an enormous but rewarding undertaking. With this dedicated, in-depth guide, you now have the comprehensive information needed to give motherless bunnies the best chance of survival.
Providing the proper housing, nutrition, grooming, and healthcare is crucial during their vulnerable first weeks and months. While not easy, your round-the-clock care and intervention can allow the bunnies to thrive despite the odds.
Monitor their ongoing health and development closely as the orphans mature. The ideal outcome is rehabilitating bunnies to be self-sufficient adults capable of release back to the wild. Otherwise, seek responsible permanent homes through rabbit rescue organizations.
If you feel unable to provide the level of focused care required, do not hesitate to contact your local wildlife rehabilitation center or rabbit rescue group. Specialized foster parents are able to continue the rehabilitation process with the goal of eventual release. With quick action, orphaned bunnies can grow up healthy and free.
Caring for baby rabbits without their mother is difficult but worthwhile. We hope this definitive guide has given you the knowledge needed to save orphaned bunnies and help them flourish.