Neglected baby rabbits are cold, cry for more than a few minutes at feeding time, are blue, or their skin is shriveled from dehydration. [2] X Research source Some mothers may reject their babies, and in these cases you should separate the babies from her so that she doesn’t harm them. [3] X Research source Don’t assume an unattended nest of wild baby rabbits is orphaned. Check on them frequently before you take them in to feed them. If they seem content, it is unlikely that they have been abandoned. [4] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Only 10% of hand-reared rabbits survive, so it is better to leave them in the wild whenever possible.

Buy Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) or goat milk to feed the babies. You can purchase these at pet stores or sometimes at a local vet’s office. [6] X Research source You can supplement each can of KMR with one tablespoon of sugar-free 100% heavy whipping cream to increase the calories and mimic the rich mother’s milk. [7] X Research source You can also supplement the KMR by adding a bit of acidophilus to the formula. This can help baby rabbits maintain healthy intestinal bacteria. [8] X Research source Acidophilus is available at most health food stores. [9] X Research source

You can buy oral syringes or eyedroppers at most pharmacies. Vet’s offices and pet stores may also have special options for pets.

Remember to mix one tablespoon of 100% sugar-free heavy whipping cream with each can of Kitten Replacement Milk. [12] X Research source You can also add the pinch acidophilus at this time, too. Newborn rabbits up to a week old get 4 – 5 cc formula. [13] X Research source Rabbits that are 1 – 2 weeks old get 10 – 15 cc formula. [14] X Research source Rabbits that are 2 – 3 weeks old get 15 – 30 cc formula. [15] X Research source Rabbits that are 3 – 6 weeks old or until they are weaned get 30 cc formula. [16] X Research source

Mother rabbits generally feed their babies twice a day — at dawn and at dusk. [18] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source

The baby may suckle the syringe and you can gently squirt a small amount of formula as they want it. [20] X Research source If the baby isn’t suckling the syringe willingly, give it time to adjust. You might want to stimulate the kitten with a gentle squirt. [21] X Research source You may also want to pet your baby rabbit while feeding her for comfort.

You only need to stimulate defecation and urination for the first 10 days of a baby rabbit’s life, or until their eyes are open. [23] X Research source Use a cotton ball moistened with warm water and gently stroke the anal and genital area of the baby rabbit until it starts defecating and urinating. Continue this until the kitten is finished. [24] X Research source Don’t worry that you’re doing something wrong, this mimics the same behavior a mother rabbit would do. [25] X Research source

Domestic rabbits wean at about 6 weeks. [27] X Research source Wild rabbits such as cottontails wean at 3 – 4 weeks, while jackrabbits wean at about 9 weeks. [28] X Research source

Domestic rabbits: oat and timothy hay; alfalfa hay; pellets. Do NOT give them vegetables. Wild rabbits: oat and timothy hay; alfalfa hay; fresh vegetables like dark leafy greens, carrot tops, parsley. Do NOT give them pellets. Leave the solids in the corner of their box where they can easily eat them. [31] X Research source Make sure to change hay, pellets, and vegetables often so that they don’t go bad and harbor bacteria. The vegetables should be fresh and moist. [32] X Research source You can buy hay and pellets at most pet stores or a vet’s office. Greens and carrots are readily available at grocery stores or farmer’s markets.

Don’t leave a deep dish in the box. Baby bunnies can drown in deep dishes filled with water. [34] X Research source Fill a shallow dish with a small amount of water and place it in the corner of the box. [35] X Research source Clean and refill the water dish frequently. This can not only help your baby rabbits stay hydrated, but can also help ensure that the water doesn’t harbor any bacteria. [36] X Research source