how to care for newborn bunnies

Finding a nest of newborn bunnies can be both a magical and nerve-wracking experience. These tiny, hairless creatures seem incredibly fragile, and your first instinct is likely to help. In most cases, the best thing you can do is leave them be, as their mother is probably nearby and only visits a few times a day to avoid attracting predators. However, if you are certain the mother is gone—perhaps she was a pet rabbit who rejected the litter—then knowing how to care for newborn bunnies becomes essential for their survival.

The Ultimate Guide on How to Care for Newborn Bunnies

If you’ve confirmed the mother is not caring for them, immediate action is needed. Your first priority is warmth. Newborn kits cannot regulate their body temperature. Create a soft nest in a small box using unscented tissues or clean, dry grass. Place a heating pad set on low under only half of the box, so the bunnies can move away from the heat if they get too warm. Never place them directly on a hot surface.

Providing the Right Nutrition

Feeding is the most critical and delicate part of their care. Never feed cow’s milk to a baby bunny. You will need to purchase kitten milk replacer (KMR) from a pet store or vet. Feed them using a small oral syringe or a specially designed pet nursing bottle. They only need to be fed once or twice a day, but each feeding can take time as they eat slowly. It is crucial to let them eat at their own pace to prevent aspiration.

Supporting Their Natural Development

After each feeding, you must simulate the mother’s grooming to help them urinate and defecate. Gently stroke their genital and anal area with a warm, moist cotton ball until they have relieved themselves. This is vital for their health until their eyes open at around 10-12 days old. Around two weeks, they will start nibbling on alfalfa hay and pellets, but they will still need milk replacer until they are at least six weeks old.

When to Seek Professional Help

Caring for orphaned newborn bunnies is incredibly challenging and has a high mortality rate, even for experts. The single most important step you can take is to contact a veterinarian or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They can provide species-specific guidance, demonstrate proper feeding techniques, and offer critical support to give these vulnerable babies the best possible chance.

While the task is demanding, providing careful, informed care can help these tiny creatures grow into healthy, hopping bunnies. Your patience and dedication during this critical period can make all the difference.