Introduction
Hey there, readers! Welcome to the world of child rabbits, the place cuteness, curiosity, and nourishment collide. If you happen to’ve discovered your self the guardian of those lovely little fuzzballs, you are in all probability questioning, "What on earth do I feed these tiny bunnies?" Properly, fear not, as a result of we have you lined. This complete information will offer you every thing you could learn about what to feed child rabbits, guaranteeing they develop up pleased, wholesome, and hopping.
The Dos and Don’ts of Feeding Child Rabbits
What to Feed
Child rabbits, also referred to as kits, want a particular weight-reduction plan for his or her delicate digestive programs. Their main meals supply is milk, both from their mom or from a particular formulation. As they get older, you may progressively introduce stable meals reminiscent of hay, contemporary greens, and pellets.
What To not Feed
Sure meals will be dangerous to child rabbits. Keep away from feeding them alfalfa hay, cabbage, broccoli, and any processed meals or human snacks. These meals may cause digestive issues, gasoline, and even bloat, which will be deadly for kits.
Important Vitamins for Child Rabbits
Protein
Protein is essential for rising child rabbits. Good protein sources for kits embrace rabbit milk, formulation, and hay.
Fiber
Fiber is crucial for a wholesome digestive system. Hay, contemporary greens, and greens are all good sources of fiber.
Calcium
Calcium is important for bone improvement. Kits get most of their calcium from their mom’s milk or formulation. You can too complement their weight-reduction plan with hay, alfalfa sprouts, and leafy greens.
Feeding Schedule and Portions
Milk Feedings
New child kits have to be fed each 2-3 hours across the clock. As they get older, you may progressively cut back the frequency of feedings.
Strong Meals Introduction
Round 3-4 weeks of age, you can begin introducing stable meals to your child rabbits. Begin with small quantities of hay and contemporary greens, reminiscent of carrots and leafy greens.
Pellets
Pellets particularly designed for rabbits will be launched round 6-8 weeks of age. Progressively enhance the quantity of pellets as your kits develop.
Feeding Emergencies
What to Do If a Package Will not Feed
If a child rabbit refuses to feed, it may very well be an indication of sickness. Seek the advice of together with your veterinarian instantly.
Hand-Feeding Kits
If you could hand-feed a child rabbit, use a particular rabbit milk formulation and a syringe. By no means feed a child rabbit cow’s milk.
Feeding Chart for Child Rabbits
| Age | Milk Feedings | Strong Meals |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 weeks | Each 2-3 hours | None |
| 2-3 weeks | Each 4-6 hours | Introduce hay and greens |
| 4-6 weeks | Each 6-8 hours | Proceed introducing greens and hay |
| 6-8 weeks | Progressively cut back milk feedings | Introduce pellets |
| 8 weeks and older | Minimal to no milk feedings | Feed pellets, hay, and contemporary greens |
Conclusion
Congratulations, readers! You are now geared up with all of the data you could feed your child rabbits a nutritious and balanced weight-reduction plan. Keep in mind to seek the advice of together with your veterinarian for any particular questions or issues. And whilst you’re right here, be sure you try our different articles for extra useful tips about elevating pleased and wholesome rabbits.
FAQ about What to Feed Child Rabbits
1. What ought to I feed my new child rabbit?
- New child rabbits ought to solely drink their mom’s milk for the primary 3-4 weeks of life.
2. Can I feed my child rabbit cow’s milk?
- No, cow’s milk shouldn’t be appropriate for child rabbits. It could possibly trigger digestive issues and malnutrition.
3. What ought to I do if my rabbit’s mom shouldn’t be current?
- If the mom shouldn’t be obtainable, you may bottle-feed the infant rabbit with a milk substitute particularly designed for rabbits.
4. How typically ought to I feed my child rabbit?
- Child rabbits have to be fed each 2-3 hours, 24 hours a day, till they’re about 6 weeks outdated.
5. How a lot ought to I feed my child rabbit?
- A normal rule of thumb is to feed the infant rabbit 2-5ml of milk substitute per feeding. As they develop, you may progressively enhance the quantity.
6. When can I begin weaning my child rabbit?
- Weaning can start at round 4 weeks of age. Progressively combine stable meals into the milk substitute and observe how the infant rabbit tolerates it.
7. What stable meals ought to I feed my weaned rabbit?
- Weaned rabbits ought to have entry to a wide range of contemporary hay, darkish leafy greens, small quantities of pellets, and contemporary water.
8. What greens are secure for child rabbits?
- Protected greens for child rabbits embrace romaine lettuce, spinach, kale, carrots, and celery.
9. What ought to I keep away from feeding my child rabbit?
- Keep away from feeding child rabbits processed meals, sugary treats, and crops that may be poisonous, reminiscent of avocado, onions, and rhubarb.
10. How ought to I retailer the milk substitute?
- Milk substitute needs to be saved within the fridge and will be warmed to room temperature earlier than feeding. Discard any unused parts after 24 hours.
