Baby Bunnies

[Toki+Pumpkin+Elmo]

To make long story short, I ended up taking over two newborn bunnies. The mother belongs to someone that I don’t even know and she wont take care of her babies.  And the owner found me by asking around.  So I agreed to take them since the owner didn’t know what to do and couldn’t afford the vet fees.

I think they’re about 6-7 days old now.  Their eyes haven’t fully developed yet and just started to grow hair on their back.  I’ve been hand-feeding them with a syringe and rub their bottoms to stimulate their poops.   I make sure that they’re kept warm everyday.

I think I’m doing everything that I’m supposed to do. But is there anything else?  Would the mother groom them?  Like licking their butts and their body to keep them clean? 

[Deleted User]

I have no idea about baby bunnies but someone here will be able to assist and advise you.

Good for you girl for taking the two kits on.

Oohhh I don’t know about cleaning/grooming the babies but I would suggest you dont lick them LOL.   

Dawn xx

[osprey]

Wow, hand feeding babies is a tricky thing.  Good for you for giving these little ones a chance, they would not survive without your help!  The things that I know of from caring for my litter of newborns:

warmth is vital.  Snuggle Safes are great for this, no wires to chew.
be really careful with the syringe, to make sure the formula is going in the mouth not the nose
you have to stimulate their pooping and peeing after each feeding, which it sounds like you are doing
they will start to show an interest in solid food when their eyes open, about 10 days or so.

 

[Gravehearted]

it’s really tough to take care of orphan babies – so i am sending lots of good wishes your way.  I really hope they’ll make it, you have a kind heart for trying to help them!  I have never taken care of orphaned bunnies – but this article may help you

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/orphan.html

[JK]

Wow. Please keep us updated. Good luck to you as this sounds like a tough one.

[Beka27]

oh my.  why is she not keeping the babies with mom for at least a little while…?  even four weeks would be something!  sheesh.  thank god you’re going to try to help these babies, i hope everything goes okay, but i don’t know.  they are very young.  so she’s gonna keep the mom? 

(ugh.  getting mad now)

Good Luck!  yes, keep us posted!

 

edited:  okay i reread the post more carefully, now i get what’s going on.  i thought… well, not sure what i thought but i got mixed up.  so the owner of mama bunny cannot afford vet care?  so she’s not going to spay her rabbit i’m guessing?  does she have a male rabbit or did she acquire her pregnant.  i understand you don’t know her, but i would try to pass some info along to her, or else she’s going to call you in a month to come get more babies…

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Oi!! Good luck and keep us posted!! Sounds like you are doing a wonderful job!!

Anyone know this? I was looking into probiotics for Kokanee and one called “benebac” made for bunnies, touted that it should be given to all orphaned rabbits….Would anyone back this suggestion up? I know I don’t trust packaging…

[Hedi]

My vet gives Benebac anytime she gives antibiotics to keep the gut moving. Actually, over the weekend Cooper stopped eating and I gave him a pea size amount of Benebac and w/in a few hours he was back to normal. I didnt have to torture him with simethicone.

 

Good luck with those babies! Here is a link to the HRS rabbit website about caring for orphans: http://www.rabbit.org/care/orphan.html

I hope this helps!

[bunnytowne]

wow sounds like they are gona make it. awe momma bunny may have been stressed or her first litter. some just dont’ have that mommy instinct. I did that b4 when the mom actually died for some reason when I was in elementary school. they would sleep in box by my bed and scratch when they got hungry and I would get up prepare their baby bottles and feed them. all but 1 made it. was about 7 I think. yes rubbing the bellies to stimulate them is good idea. sounds like you got it. wow  a human substitute and a good one too

[kimberleyanddarren]

are u going to keep them when they grow up? (just wondering btw sorry for being nosey!)
i think you are doing everything well, congrats on your new additions

[Toki+Pumpkin+Elmo]

I’m already soooo attached to them. But I know that I cant keep them both so I’m considering keeping one. But dont quote me on this because I’m still thinking about it. Because it’s not just one more bunny. It’s also more time and money as well. I have already interviewed two people as a potential mommy. I made a list of things needed to be done everyday for a bunny and had them mark it off. Just so that they know rabbits are more than just a cute fuzzy small animals. They probably thought that I was nuts.

I did a lot of research online. So far, I have a nest to keep them warm. I feed them and rub them with wet cotton ball to stimulate you-know-what. They are eating well and sleep most of the day. I think they are very healthy so far and looks like there’s nothing but a bright future for them.

Thank you so much for everyone’s support. I will keep you guys updated.

[osprey]

I know from my recent experience with my litter of tiny refugees, they are sooo easy to get attached to when you raise them from infants.  On the other hand, I was so happy for Shasta when she was adopted because her new family is totally devoted to their bunnies, and I know that they’d give her more attention and love than I could as a foster.  If you are finding this process rewarding, Save A Bunny or The Rabbit Haven would be eager to place a litter with someone who has experience, if you want to do this again.  Thanks again for thinking of these tiny orphans, and caring for them.

 

[Toki+Pumpkin+Elmo]

Osprey, thank you so much for your help. I really apprecaite it.
Actually I was just about to start fostering for Rabbit Haven. I was supposed to meet with Cindy but I got called in at the aquarium and had to reschedule. I work at Monterey aquarium and we just rescued an injured otter. Then, the babies came. So meeting with Cindy had to get postponed.
Between the babies and my work. I dont have the time right now. But when the things settle down, I definitely would be contacting Cindy ASAP.

[kimberleyanddarren]

aw i know it must be a hard decisison but good for u making sure that ur buns go to a great home, if they are rude to u or do think u are crazy then they are obviously not going to be good bunny mommies and daddies! keep us updated on ur little ones (piccies would always be a plus hehe)

[MooBunnay]

How great of you to take care of these poor orphaned babies! I will send lots of prayers and good thoughts your way for a happy healthy childhood for the little guys. It sounds like you are doing everything right, and soon you’ll be an expert on little baby buns

[Author]

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