Dumped baby bunnies left with an inexperienced foster

[Kat9055]

Hey all! I was tapped as an emergency foster tonight for 2 mama bunnies and 16 babies (each has 8). They look like rex mixes. I have NO baby bunny experience besides my 2 geriatric bunnies that I’ve had since they were young. One set looks like they are a week old and the other set are hopping around and eating hay and pellets. They are currently in xpens with tops. I made them nesting boxes and they have litter boxes and other basic needs. I am fostering through a registered program, but they are super swamped and the person in charge doesn’t usually take babies this young.

 

What do I need to watch for? Any general advice for caring, handling, etc.? Will the mamas get aggressive with the older babies? I have a very gentle toddler and plan to let her help care for them under close supervision so they get used to kids (she’s great with my 13 year old Netherland that is 1.5lbs).

 

Thanks for any advice! I was just asked to take them this afternoon and had enough time to get their enclosures set, but not enough for research. I also have a 2 month old human baby, so research is a luxury.

[Wick & Fable]

I do not have direct experience, but hopefully this can provide some parameters and guidance: https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Baby_rabbits_(domestic)

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[LBJ10]

If mama is taking care of them, then you don’t need to do much except making sure she has enough to eat. She should be getting extra protein too (alfalfa). The link Wick provided has lots of good info about baby bunnies and how they grow.

[BrunosMama]

I’ve only had baby buns once (we adopted a bun and didn’t know she was pregnant).

But, she pretty much took care of everything with them. Like LBJ said, just make sure mama buns are getting plenty of food and water.

Also, they won’t fuss over the babies the same way cats or dogs do. They will feed the babies only once or twice a day and usually when no one is around. So, don’t be alarmed if you don’t see them nursing.

The other thing I noticed with our bun was that as the babies got older, she needed a few minutes break now and then lol. So, you may consider putting a small box or something that the mama bun can sit on top of that the babies can’t climb yet. Just so she can have a minute to herself.

Sounds like you have your hands full, but you got this! 😀

[Author]

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