Baby rabbits, also known as kits are very vulnerable when they are born. Rabbits are usually very good mothers, so if she enjoys a good diet and lives in a comfortable environment there should be no problem. With some basic care for the family it will be enough. If the mother rejects them, we must feed them with a bottle and keep them warm and safe.
With the proper care for newborn rabbits, the little ones will grow into strong and he althy rabbits. In this article on our site we are going to talk about baby rabbits in general. The different species may have a more or less long gestation and lactation time.
The basic care that we must provide to the rabbits is what we will detail below. If you want to know more about specific species of rabbits, do not hesitate to read articles such as Angora rabbit care or Belier rabbit care.
Maternal care
The pregnancy of rabbits usually last between 20-30 daysIf it lasts more than 32 days you should go to the vet because the kits may be dead. During pregnancy, the female must enjoy a good diet. Includes fresh food and not just pellets. Make assorted salads of carrots, cucumber, hay…
Two days before calving, it is advisable to reduce the food portion a little to avoid digestive problems. hydration during pregnancy and lactation is essential. See if the mother drinks enough.
You should pay attention to certain complications:
- Toxemia: This disease is caused by poor nutrition. It causes weakness, lack of coordination, and seizures. It usually appears in late pregnancy or after giving birth and can be fatal.
- Mastitis: During lactation and before, the mammary glands swell. We should not confuse it with this disease. When one of these glands becomes infected by the presence of some bacteria, an inflammation of the breast is produced, known as mastitis. Check the rabbit's breasts periodically. If they are reddened and the rabbit is more apathetic than normal, see your vet immediately. If they are bluish they indicate a serious infection. Extreme hygiene of the cage to avoid infections of this type.
- Rejection or death of pups: Rabbits can sometimes kill their pups and eat them. It can be caused by various reasons. To avoid extreme hygiene of the place, give it the necessary materials to form an appropriate nest and avoid possible situations that stress the rabbit. In the event that it rejects or does not feed one or all of its young, you must feed them with a bottle.
Prepare the nest
Once the kits are born they will need a safe place to stay warm and sleep comfortably. Female rabbits build their own nests days before giving birth.
Deposit coconut fiber, goat hair and hay for the rabbit to build the nest. He will also use part of his hair to do it. If it is shaped like a burrow, the rabbit will love it since she will feel more secure. You can use a cardboard box.
You can put some towels or a blanket on the base but keep in mind that it will get dirty quickly. Newspaper as a base may be easier to clean. Remember that you must maintain the maximum possible hygiene in the cage and the nest.
A kits are very sensitive to light during the first days of life. Try not to give them direct light or drafts. Temperature changes can be very damaging. In these first days of life it will be important not to manipulate them.
Childbirth and family care
After 20-30 days of gestation the female is ready to give birth. Rabbits are excellent mothers so it is best to leave her alone during the process.
When you think the time has come, place a half ration of food and plenty of water for the mother and go. After a few hours you can check how it goes, if one is born dead, remove it from the nest. See if the labor is over but do not handle the little ones or disturb the mother. At each delivery they can have between 1 and 6 kits
After 12 or 24 hours you can check more calmly how the kits are doing. See if the female cares for and feeds them. It is recommended not to handle the little ones in the first days of life. They are very delicate. They are born hairless, blind and deaf.
Does usually feed their young twice a day The rest of the time you may leave them alone, and find yourself in another cage place. You should not worry, as long as they have a warm place and their mother feeds them correctly, you can leave them alone.
Bottle-feeding
If for any reason the mother does not feedand take care of her pups; or you have to take care of a very young rabbit that has no mother, you will have to take care of its feeding.
What bottle do I use?
The bottle should have a very small teat. You can use a bottle for kittens. Remember that all the material must be properly sterilized before each use. To feed them you must pick them up carefully, preventing them from moving. Let him suck on his own, never force him. The milk must be at a temperature of 39 ºC.
Never give cow's milk
Cow's milk is very harmful to rabbits. You should use kitten milk or specialized rabbit milk. Consult your veterinarian about which is the most appropriate and how the shots should be. You can give it two shots a day or small shots throughout the day.
Puppy's age
If the rabbit has never drunk from its mother, it is likely that even if you feed it it will not survive. This is because the mothers in the first days of life of the rabbits produce a special milk, the colostrum This milk contains much-needed antibodies for the little ones. For this reason, breast milk is always better.
Stimulation
With a cotton swab soaked in lukewarm water, your anal and genital region should be stimulated. It is something that their mothers do naturally so that they urinate and defecate. Gently massage the region. With another cotton you can wipe his eyes and face to keep him clean.
Increase
The first few weeks of life the little ones only drink milk but from 3-4 weeks we canput hay and pellets into the cage. If they have access to maternal food, they may start eating it themselves.
They will drink milk until 6-8 weeks. If you are bottle-feeding dilute the milk with water during these last few weeks until no longer want.
Gradually introduce new foods, fruits and vegetables in small pieces that they eat easily. It is important not to introduce them before, because your digestive system is not ready yet.
It is convenient to carry a growth control from the first week of life. Weigh it to check that it gains weight correctly. Depending on the species of rabbit, its growth will be more or less fast. Find out about the proper weight for your rabbit at all stages of its life.
Adult Rabbits
Once the rabbit eats independently, its growth will be rapid. In a few weeks it will become an adult rabbit.
If you want to know more about adult rabbits, don't hesitate to read Rabbit feeding and Rabbit care.
