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-   -   When should I feed my newborn rabbits? (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=705875)

  • Sep 30, 2012, 12:22 AM
    Jessica Impett
    When should I feed my newborn rabbits?
    My rabbit gave literately 30 minutes ago I left her with them to how she goes, but when I went back 2 were dead and the others cold but alive. So I took them into the house and I have put some shredded paper, straw and a nice warm towel in a medium sized box. There now warm and things but I don't know how to feed them. My friend said you can hold the mother on her back and put a baby (one at a time)on a teat for it to drink. I tried it but the mother just flipped and went crazy, so how and when should I feed my babies? ( there's 5 of them left and they are english cross a small one / don't know her breed)
  • Sep 30, 2012, 12:31 AM
    Jessica Impett
    What should I do with my newborn rabbits?
    My rabbit gave birth literally 35 minutes ago and I left her with them to see how she goes but when I next checked on then 2 were unfortunately dead and the others cold but alive. So I took them in and put them in a box full of shredded paper in a donut shape (as the base) a towel on the bottom for a bedding and also straw for bedding too, I also had taken some of her fur to keep her scent on them. My friend said you can feed them by holding the mother on her back and putting one baby at a time on a teat for it to drink, but when we tried that she flipped and went crazy, so now I need to know another way on how to feed them. PLEASE HELP MEEE!
  • Oct 25, 2012, 08:40 AM
    shazamataz
    Unfortunately your biggest mistake was in checking how many kits were born... Your second was moving them. You really need to not disturb the mother and kits whatsoever, especially if the mother is very protective. Even opening the nesting box to check on them can cause some mothers to abandon the kits.

    How are you trying to flip the mother onto her back. You need to do it very slowly and completely support her body weight and hold her tightly against you. Remember, rabbits are prey animals and see being held or turned over as a threat so you need to make them feel very secure.

    I would personally be consulting your vet about what to do with the remaining kits, they can advise you on feeding and care. For now they can be given Kitten replacement formula (available at vets and pet stores) from an eye-dropper of slow feed nip on a bottle.

    There are also sites such as this one that may be of help: How To Care For Newborn Baby Rabbits
  • Oct 25, 2012, 09:35 AM
    LadySam
    Keep in mind also that a fitful, struggling rabbit is at risk for a broken back.
    Holding her down to let the kits nurse may be a dangerous thing to do.
    I would take Shaz advice and get them to the vet and have them instruct you on further care.

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