How To Care For An Orphaned Domestic Rabbit

Since Easter has just passed, we thought it would be a nice idea and keep things relevant by focusing on a rabbit-based article this week.  One of our greatest goals is to provide our consumers with enough relevant knowledge that should they ever find an orphaned animal that they know how to care for them.  We have a great passion for animals of all sizes and types, and we know our readers do too. That’s why today, we are going to look at how to care for an orphaned domestic rabbit. This way, should you ever come across one in the future, you will know what to do.

1.       Before handling the baby rabbits, it is crucial that you wash your hands. You may have residual amounts of household chemicals that are okay for your skin, but can be incredibly detrimental for the baby rabbit.

2.       You will need to create an ideal nest box for the baby rabbit or rabbits, if you have to look after an entire brood. A good box is something that will keep the animals contained and warm, yet at the same time provide adequate ventilation. If you have a cat travel box or one for a small dog, you can use these to make perfect temporary nest boxes.

3.       Warmth and humidity are important things to consider. You will need to provide them with heat akin to what the mother rabbit’s body would naturally provide. Fifty percent humidity is needed too; you can either use a humidifier or place a container of water near the heat source.

4.       You will want to start feeding the baby rabbits using PetLac. To effectively feed them, you will need the weigh the rabbits so you can determine the right amount of feed.

5.       Try to feed the rabbits 3 to 4 times a day with a small teat bottle. Split the feeding regularly throughout the day.

6.       Increase the amount of food as the rabbits grow. Continue to weigh them every 2 or 3 days to ensure the feed amounts of accurate.

This is just information to get you started, until you can contact a veterinarian for advice on to continue raising the baby rabbits into healthy adults. If you come across a wild orphan rabbit, it is crucial that you do not attempt to care for it yourself, as they will have different needs, and many areas have restrictions on wild or unvaccinated pets in zoning laws. Watch the nest from afar and if the mother doesn’t return then you will need to contact a registered wildlife rehabilitator.  Wild animals need more specialized care than domestic animals, and it is best left to registered professionals to raise them, no matter how strongly you feel that you can a good job.