So you've got baby bunnies? Those tiny fluffballs staring up at you? Let me tell you straight - feeding them isn't like feeding adult rabbits. Get this wrong and things go south fast. I learned that lesson the hard way when I found three orphaned kits in my backyard last spring. One didn't make it because I messed up the formula ratios. Still feel terrible about that.
When people search what to feed baby bunnies, they urgently need practical answers. Not textbook theories. That's what this guide gives you - what actually works from someone who's been elbow-deep in bunny formula at 3 AM.
Why Getting Baby Bunny Food Right Matters
Their digestive systems are stupid fragile. Like, "get diarrhea once and die" fragile. Their gut bacteria haven't developed properly yet. That's why we have to be so careful about what to feed baby bunnies at each stage.
I wish more sites explained how critical this timing is:
- 0-2 weeks: Survival mode - milk is everything
- 3-6 weeks: Gut development phase - introducing solids carefully
- 7+ weeks: Transition to adult diet
Miss any step and you risk stunted growth or worse.
Newborn to 2 Weeks: The Milk-Only Phase
If their eyes are still closed? Milk is their only food source. Period. Don't even think about solids. Their tummies can't handle it.
Best Milk Replacers (What Actually Works)
Forget cow milk. Seriously. That's how I lost my first orphan. Use these instead:
| Formula Type | How to Mix | Feeding Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) | Mix 1 part powder to 2 parts warm water | 5-7ml per feeding |
| Goat Milk | Fresh or canned, warmed to body temp | 5-7ml per feeding |
| Emergency Formula | 2 tablespoons goat milk + 1 tablespoon heavy cream + 1 egg yolk | Only if nothing else available |
Heating tip: Test formula drops on your wrist like baby bottles. Too hot burns their mouth. And always use a syringe or dropper - never bottles.
Underfeeding kills slowly. Overfeeding kills fast. Balance is everything.
Feeding Orphans Step-by-Step
Hold bunny upright like a human baby - never on its back
Give drops slowly - let them swallow between drops
Clean face with damp cloth after - milk residue causes skin infections
Stimulate genitals with warm cotton ball to help them pee/poop
Frequency? Every 3-4 hours. Yes, even nights. I survived on coffee for weeks. Totally worth it when they finally open their eyes.
3-6 Weeks: The Weaning Transition
Here's where most folks panic. Eyes are open, they're hopping around, but they still need milk while learning solid foods. This transition period is critical for what to feed baby bunnies.
Solids Introduction Timeline
| Age | Solid Foods to Introduce | Milk Feedings |
|---|---|---|
| 3 weeks | Oat hay (softer than timothy) | 4 times daily |
| 4 weeks | Alfalfa pellets (soaked in water) | 3 times daily |
| 5 weeks | Small greens like cilantro or romaine | 2 times daily |
| 6 weeks | Broccoli florets, carrot tops | Once daily |
Warning: Introduce one new food every 3-4 days. Watch for mushy poop!
Amount matters big time. For pellets at 4 weeks? Just 1 tablespoon of soaked pellets daily. Overfeeding pellets causes deadly gut slowdown. I know a breeder who lost an entire litter that way.
Hay should be unlimited though. Always. It keeps their constantly growing teeth in check.
Post-Weaning Diet (7+ Weeks)
Now we switch gears completely. They're ready for adult foods but need extra protein and calcium for growth.
Here's the ideal daily menu:
| Food Type | Specific Examples | Daily Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | Timothy, orchard, oat hay | Unlimited (80% of diet) |
| Pellets | Alfalfa-based (18% protein) | 1/4 cup per 3 lbs body weight |
| Fresh Greens | Romaine, carrot tops, basil, cilantro | 1 packed cup per 2 lbs body weight |
| Treats | Carrot, apple slice, berry | 1 teaspoon size per day max |
Water access is non-negotiable. Use heavy ceramic bowls - bottles don't let them drink enough. Change water twice daily. Dehydration kills faster than hunger.
Landmine Foods: What Never to Feed
Some foods are literally poisonous. Others cause slow damage. This isn't hype - I've seen the aftermath.
| Food | Why It's Dangerous | What Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Iceberg lettuce | Contains lactucarium | Severe diarrhea, dehydration |
| Avocado | Persin toxin | Respiratory distress, death |
| Bread/crackers | Carb overload | Gut stasis, bloat |
| Dairy products | Lactose intolerance | Explosive diarrhea |
| Potato/tomato leaves | Solanine poisoning | Neurological damage |
Also avoid sudden diet changes. Switching pellet brands overnight? Bad idea. Always transition over 7-10 days.
Spotting Feeding Problems Early
Catching issues fast saves lives. Here's what to watch for:
- Poop changes: Small/dry = dehydration. Mushy = digestive upset. Watery = emergency.
- Tummy feel: Gently palpate sides. Hard = bloat (get to vet NOW).
- Eating changes: Ignoring favorite greens? Red flag.
- Behavior shifts: Lethargy or hiding when usually social.
Keep emergency supplies ready:
- Infant gas drops (simethicone)
- Critical Care herbivore mix
- Syringes for force-feeding
- Vet contact info posted visibly
An exotic vet visit costs $100-$300 typically. Worth every penny when their life's on the line.
Feeding Orphans vs. Mom-Reared Kits
Huge difference here. If mom's around:
- Don't interfere unless kits look skinny (visible spine)
- Mom only feeds 1-2 times daily (mostly at night)
- Provide her unlimited alfalfa hay and extra pellets
For orphans:
- Strict feeding schedule is non-negotiable
- Weigh them daily on kitchen scale (should gain 10-15g/day)
- Expect slower development than mom-raised kits
My orphaned litter took 10 days longer to wean. Totally normal. Patience pays off.
Top Questions About What to Feed Baby Bunnies
How often do newborn bunnies eat?
Every 3-4 hours including nights until 2 weeks old. Then gradually reduce as solids increase.
Can I use regular milk from the store?
Absolutely not. Cow milk causes fatal diarrhea. Use kitten formula or goat milk only.
When can they start drinking water?
Offer water in shallow dish at 3 weeks. They'll start sipping when ready.
My bunny refuses solid food. Help!
Keep offering milk. Rub greens on their mouth to spark interest. If no progress by 5 weeks, consult vet.
Are carrots safe for babies?
Only as tiny treats after 8 weeks. Too sugary for regular feeding despite cartoon myths.
How long until they eat adult food?
Full transition by 12 weeks. Switch to timothy hay/pellets gradually between 7-12 weeks.
Final Reality Check
Raising baby bunnies will test your patience. You'll lose sleep. You'll stress over poop consistency. You might cry when one doesn't make it. But when you see that first successful hop? Pure magic.
The feeding guidelines here come from hard lessons. What to feed baby bunnies isn't intuitive. Stick to these principles:
- Match food to exact age/stage
- Never rush transitions
- Weigh them weekly
- Trust your gut - if something feels off, call a vet
You've got this. Those little fluffballs are counting on you.
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