From fuzzy little nestlings to energetic, nibbling cuties, baby rabbits require very specific care to ensure they grow up healthy and strong. Raising infant bunnies is an adorable but serious responsibility! From their first sips of mother’s milk to transitioning onto solid foods, there is much to learn about feeding baby rabbits properly. Whether you bred your own litter or rescued orphaned kits, it’s crucial to understand their dietary needs at each stage of development. Read on for expert tips to nourish your bouncing baby rabbits! You’ll discover what to feed babies by age, how to identify healthy growth, solutions for common issues, and more “hop”-tastic advice to raise the bunny of your dreams!

What Do Baby Rabbits Eat and Drink?

Baby rabbits, also known as kits, have very specific dietary needs that are different from adult rabbits. In the wild, baby rabbits only consume their mother's milk for the first 2-3 weeks of life. After that, they begin to nibble on grasses and other greens around the nest. At 4 weeks old, kits are fully weaned off their mother's milk and eating mostly hay and leafy greens.

As pets, the best diet for a baby rabbit depends on their age. Here are some guidelines:

0-2 weeks: Kits should only have their mother's milk during this time. Do not remove kits from their mother before 8 weeks old.
2-4 weeks: In addition to nursing, kits can eat alfalfa hay, pellets, and some greens. Provide alfalfa hay at all times once kits reach 2 weeks old. Good pellet options are alfalfa-based or those made for junior/baby rabbits. Introduce a small amount of dark leafy greens like kale, parsley or cilantro. Avoid fruits, veggies high in oxalates, treats and grains.
4-7 weeks: Kits should be fully weaned by 7 weeks old. Continue feeding alfalfa hay and alfalfa-based pellets. Increase daily pellet portions to 1/4 cup per 6 lbs body weight. Gradually introduce more greens like romaine lettuce, carrot tops and broccoli leaves but limit to 1 cup per 2 lbs body weight daily.
7-12 weeks: Transition kits from alfalfa to grass hay and pellets formulated for adult rabbits. Decrease alfalfa and increase grass hay every 2 weeks. Greens can be increased to 1 cup per lb body weight daily.

In addition to an appropriate diet, baby rabbits need access to clean, fresh water at all times once they reach 2 weeks old. Use a bowl heavy enough not to tip over. Limit fruits and treats until 3-4 months old. An improper diet can lead to serious digestive issues in young rabbits. Consult an exotic vet if there are concerns about a baby rabbit's eating habits or health.

What to Feed Pet Rabbits?

feeding pet rabbits a healthy, balanced diet is extremely important for their wellbeing. Here are some guidelines on what to feed pet rabbits:

Hay: Hay should make up at least 75% of a pet rabbit's diet. Grass hays like timothy or orchard grass are preferable. Hay promotes dental and digestive health. Provide fresh hay daily in unlimited quantities.

Pellets: Look for plain pellets formulated specifically for adult rabbits, not other animals like guinea pigs. Feed 1/4 to 1/2 cup per 6 lbs body weight per day for adult rabbits. Limit alfalfa pellets to babies under 7 months old.

Greens: Leafy greens provide hydration and nutrients. Try various types like kale, parsley, cilantro, lettuces, spinach, carrot tops. Introduce new greens slowly. Feed 1 cup daily per 2 lbs body weight.

Vegetables: Non-leafy veggies like carrots, bell peppers and broccoli add variety in moderation. Limit starchy veggies like corn or peas. Introduce new veggies slowly. Feed sparingly, around 1 tablespoon per 2 lbs body weight daily.

Fruits: Fruits are high in sugar, so moderation is key. Try small amounts of apples, pears, melons, berries. Limit to 1 tablespoon per 2 lbs body weight daily. Avoid grapes and raisins which are toxic to rabbits.

Water: Fresh clean water must be available at all times. Change water daily. Use heavy bowls that can't be tipped over.

Avoid processed treats, grains, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, iceberg lettuce, and human junk food which can cause digestive upset in rabbits. Variety is important, but introduce new foods slowly to watch for any gastrointestinal issues. The proper diet will keep a pet rabbit healthy and happy!

Baby Rabbit Feeding Guide

Proper nutrition is crucial for baby rabbits to grow and thrive. Here is a detailed feeding guide for baby domestic rabbits by age:

0 – 2 weeks old:

Nursing – Baby rabbits get all nutrition from mother's milk. They nurse once or twice a day. Do not remove kits from their mother before 8 weeks old.
No solid foods or water – Digestive system is too immature.

2 – 4 weeks old:

Continue nursing 1-2 times per day.
Introduce alfalfa hay – Place it in nest box or area where kits play. They will start naturally nibbling on it.
Provide alfalfa-based pellets – Sprinkle a few in the nest box and increase slowly.
Give a few sprigs of dark leafy greens like cilantro, kale or parsley.
Supply water in a small heavy bowl – Encourage kits to drink.

4 – 7 weeks old:

Transition to solid foods & weaning
Continue unlimited alfalfa hay and pellets – Increase pellets to 1/4 cup per 6 lbs body weight daily.
Introduce more greens – Try small amounts of lettuces, broccoli leaves, carrot tops. Feed 1 cup daily per 2 lbs body weight.
Decrease nursing sessions – Kits should be fully weaned by 7 weeks old.
Keep fresh water available at all times.

7 – 12 weeks old:

Transition from alfalfa to grass hay & adult pellets
Slowly mix in grass hay with alfalfa over 2 week period.
Switch pellets formulated for adult rabbits. Follow feeding guide amounts.
Greens can be increased to 1 cup per lb body weight daily.
Limited fruits and veggies can be offered.
Ensure unlimited fresh water.

Feed a rabbit-appropriate diet according to these age-specific guidelines. Consult an exotic vet if any concerns arise about a baby rabbit's feeding, growth or health. Proper nutrition supports normal development and lifelong health.

Baby Rabbit Food List

When feeding baby rabbits, it is important to provide specific foods suitable for their age. Here is a food list for baby rabbits:

Until 4 weeks:

Mother's milk – Primary food source. Do not separate kits from mother before 8 weeks minimum.
Alfalfa hay – Provides fiber for digestion. Offer to start nibbling on around 2-3 weeks old.
Alfalfa pellets – Support growing bunnies. Sprinkle some in nest around 3 weeks old.
Dark leafy greens – Introduce a few sprigs of kale, cilantro, parsley around 3-4 weeks old.

4-7 weeks:

Alfalfa hay – Continue unlimited amounts for fiber and calories.
Alfalfa pellets – Increase to 1/4 cup daily per 6 lbs body weight.
Greens – Slowly increase variety. Introduce romaine, carrot tops, broccoli leaves. Feed 1 cup daily per 2 lbs body weight.
Weaning from milk – Transition to solid foods until fully weaned by 7 weeks.

7-12 weeks:

Grass hay – Timothy, orchard, oat. Slowly change over from alfalfa hay.
Adult rabbit pellets – Decrease alfalfa pellets while changing to adult pellet formula.
Greens – Increase variety and volume. Feed 1 cup per lb body weight daily.
Limited fruits & veggies – Introduce small pieces of apple, melon, bell peppers, etc. Limit sugars.
Water – Ensure unlimited access to clean fresh water at all times.

Feed babies age-appropriate foods. Limit fruits, veggies and treats until 3-4 months old. Consult a vet if any concerns arise or if a baby rabbit stops eating. Proper nutrition supports healthy growth and development.

How Can I Tell if My Baby Rabbit’s Diet is Healthy?

It can be tricky figuring out if your baby rabbit is getting proper nutrition. Here are some signs of a healthy diet in baby bunnies:

Steady weight gain – Weigh kits regularly to ensure they are gaining a few grams per day. Lack of weight gain indicates inadequate caloric intake.
Bright eyes – If your bunny's eyes are clear and bright, it is a sign of good health. Draining or crusty eyes may indicate illness.
Healthy coat – With proper nutrition, your bunny will have a soft, smooth coat. Patchy fur can be a sign of poor diet.
Strong tooth and nail growth – Check for even, aligned tooth growth. Overgrown teeth can indicate lack of hay. Nails should wear down naturally.
High energy – Kits should be active, playful and curious when awake. Lethargy can signify illness or malnutrition.
Good digestion – Look for round, firm poops. Diarrhea or toothpaste-like poop indicates gut issues.
Minimal health issues – Your bunny should be free of runny eyes/nose, dirtiness around the rear, parasites or hair loss.
Eating alfalfa hay by 3-4 weeks old – Nibbling on hay is instinctual bunny behavior essential for health.

By feeding your baby rabbit unlimited hay, measured pellets, a variety of greens and limited treats, you can ensure your bunny grows up happy and healthy! Consult a rabbit-savvy vet if you have any concerns.

My Baby Rabbit Eats Too Fast

If your baby rabbit is gobbling down food extremely quickly, this unhealthy habit can lead to digestive issues. Here are some tips to slow down a fast-eating baby bunny:

Scatter feed – Rather than offering pellets in a bowl, scatter them around the cage so your rabbit can't eat too quickly.
Stuff hay in toys – Putting hay inside cardboard tubes or boxes forces your rabbit to pull it out strand by strand as they nibble.
Use a treat ball – These balls have small openings that will dispense greens or pellets slowly as they roll around.
Try feeding probation – Limit pellet portions to a certain window during the day when you can monitor eating pace.
Add water to pellets – Soaking pellets slightly or serving as a mash tempers the ability to eat too fast.
Provide adequate hay – Having unlimited hay available curbs tendency to aggressively eat other foods.
Give frequent small meals – Rather than one large serving, divide daily portions into 3-4 smaller feedings.
Monitor weight – Make sure gobbling isn't leading to weight gain or loose stools. Adjust portions if needed.
Check teeth – Overgrown teeth can cause frantic eating behavior. Have your vet trim if needed.

Slowing down your baby rabbit's eating takes patience and creativity. Preventing speed-eating will help support healthy digestion. Consult your vet if concerns arise.

My Baby Rabbit is Not Feeding

It can be very concerning if a baby rabbit suddenly stops eating or nursing. If your baby bunny loses interest in food, here are some possible reasons and tips:

Illness – GI issues like bloat can make a baby not want to eat. Respiratory infections may also cause appetite loss. Have your vet examine your bunny.
Pain – Check for signs of injury or discomfort. Sore teeth can prevent nursing or eating. Carefully inspect inside the mouth.
Change in diet – An abrupt new food or weaning can disrupt eating. Gradually transition between foods over 1-2 weeks.
Stress – New people, animals, location or schedule can be stressful. Minimize changes to ease anxiety and encourage eating.
Low temperature – Young rabbits need to be kept warm. Place a heating pad under half the enclosure if too cold.
Dehydration – Make sure water is always available. Check for signs of dehydration like skin tenting. Give fluids under the skin if needed.
Nursing problems – Check that kits can properly latch onto the mother doe to nurse. Assist weak babies.
Orphaned young – Babies alone under 8 weeks won't survive without care. You'll need to provide milk replacer and support.

If a baby rabbit stops eating for more than 12 hours, seek exotic vet care immediately. They can provide hydration, nutrition and medical treatment to get your bunny stable. With prompt support, baby bunnies can bounce back quickly.

Alternative Food for Baby Rabbits

In certain situations, baby rabbits may need alternative food options apart from their mother's milk. Here are some appropriate choices:

Orphaned Kits:

Goat milk – Dilute with equal parts water. Only short term until 2-3 weeks old.
KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) – Special formula with nutrients for orphaned baby rabbits under 2 months old.
Wombaroo Rabbit Milk Replacer – Powdered formula designed specifically for young rabbits. Add water per directions.

Weaning:

Complete Pellet Mix – Sherwood Pet Health and Oxbow make pellets for weaning and junior rabbits.
Alfalfa hay – Provides fiber and calories for the transition from milk.
Vegetables – Limited carrots, zucchini and squash can stimulate solid food consumption.
Fruit – A touch of banana or apple sauce provides energy and nutrients.

Gastrointestinal Issues:

Mushed pellets – Water can tempt disinterested bunnies back to eating their feed.
Hay slurry – Mix alfalfa hay with water into a mush for quick nutrition.
Oxbow Critical Care – Highly palatable recovery food supports healing digestion.
Gas drops – Products like Laxatone or baby gas drops can relieve GI discomfort.

Always consult an exotic vet when caring for orphaned or sick baby rabbits. Proper husbandry, feeding and medical care give kits the best chance to survive and thrive.

Conclusion

Raising happy, healthy baby rabbits requires an understanding of their unique nutritional needs. Kits should nurse from their mothers until a minimum of 8 weeks old. Weaning onto solids like pellets, hay and greens should be gradual. Follow age-specific guidelines on appropriate foods to feed growing bunnies. Limiting fruits and avoiding people foods prevents digestive issues. Monitor babies closely for proper weight gain and signs of good health. With the right diet at each age, baby rabbits will grow into robust, flourishing adults.

What To Feed Baby Rabbits?