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 cute little fuzzballs, you are most likely questioning, "What on earth do I feed these tiny bunnies?" Effectively, fear not, as a result of we have got you lined. This complete information will offer you the whole lot it is advisable learn about what to feed child rabbits, guaranteeing they develop up comfortable, 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 eating regimen for his or her delicate digestive techniques. Their major meals supply is milk, both from their mom or from a particular components. As they get older, you possibly can regularly introduce stable meals equivalent to hay, recent greens, and pellets.
What To not Feed
Sure meals may 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, fuel, and even bloat, which may 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, components, and hay.
Fiber
Fiber is important for a wholesome digestive system. Hay, recent greens, and greens are all good sources of fiber.
Calcium
Calcium is significant for bone growth. Kits get most of their calcium from their mom’s milk or components. You may as well complement their eating regimen with hay, alfalfa sprouts, and leafy greens.
Feeding Schedule and Portions
Milk Feedings
New child kits must be fed each 2-3 hours across the clock. As they get older, you possibly can regularly scale back the frequency of feedings.
Stable 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 recent greens, equivalent to carrots and leafy greens.
Pellets
Pellets particularly designed for rabbits may be launched round 6-8 weeks of age. Regularly improve 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 could possibly be an indication of sickness. Seek the advice of along with your veterinarian instantly.
Hand-Feeding Kits
If it is advisable hand-feed a child rabbit, use a particular rabbit milk components and a syringe. By no means feed a child rabbit cow’s milk.
Feeding Chart for Child Rabbits
| Age | Milk Feedings | Stable 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 | Regularly scale back milk feedings | Introduce pellets |
| 8 weeks and older | Minimal to no milk feedings | Feed pellets, hay, and recent greens |
Conclusion
Congratulations, readers! You are now geared up with all of the data it is advisable feed your child rabbits a nutritious and balanced eating regimen. Bear in mind to seek the advice of along with your veterinarian for any particular questions or issues. And when you’re right here, remember to try our different articles for extra useful tips about elevating comfortable 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 might probably 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 accessible, you possibly can bottle-feed the child rabbit with a milk substitute particularly designed for rabbits.
4. How typically ought to I feed my child rabbit?
- Child rabbits must 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 common rule of thumb is to feed the child rabbit 2-5ml of milk substitute per feeding. As they develop, you possibly can regularly improve the quantity.
6. When can I begin weaning my child rabbit?
- Weaning can start at round 4 weeks of age. Regularly combine stable meals into the milk substitute and observe how the child rabbit tolerates it.
7. What stable meals ought to I feed my weaned rabbit?
- Weaned rabbits ought to have entry to quite a lot of recent hay, darkish leafy greens, small quantities of pellets, and recent water.
8. What greens are protected 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 vegetation that may be poisonous, equivalent to avocado, onions, and rhubarb.
10. How ought to I retailer the milk substitute?
- Milk substitute needs to be saved within the fridge and may be warmed to room temperature earlier than feeding. Discard any unused parts after 24 hours.
