Is it safe to feed a baby rabbit Kitten Milk Replacer?

Question

I recently found a baby bunny, and it cannot/doesn't have the teeth to bite the pellets and the hay that I purchased. If I can feed it this milk replacer, how do I do it? The bunny looks like it is about 4 weeks old, and he/she is looking pretty skinny! Plus, where can I find this? I live in Southern Cali....

Answer 1

Cow's milk is a definite no-no, but there is no commercially available formula that is 100% adapted for baby bunnies. KMR might be your best bet. And as gross as it seems, in addition to its mother's milk, a baby bunny also eats its mother's feces, which provide it nurtients and assists in the change to more solid foods. So a source of adult fecal matter is essential or else the baby will develop gasto-intestinal issues. It needs the right bacteria in its gut to digest solid food and eating mom's feces provides this. .
Baby bunnies lose the ability to suckle fairly quickly and so handfeeding needs to begin as soon as possible. Kitten nursers are too large for baby bunnies. Toy doll bottles make a good substitute. As a last ditch effort, a syringe (without the needle of course) can be used. Do not force the formulae into the bunnies mouth, it may end up in its lungs. The formula should be warm.
KMR should be available at any local pet store and maybe even Walmart. They have it at my grocery store here.

good luck!!!

Answer 2

I had my cat bring in a wild cottontail last week and had no idea where it's nest is. After reading I found out the best option was to turn it over to someone who has the skills and resources to care for the bunny. I know it's not what you want to hear but it's true for several reasons: 1. Mother bunnies have special enzymes in their milk that baby bunnies need in order to survive. They die without it. 2. They are easily stressed. They aren't like domestic animals and react completely differently to humans. 3. If you manage to keep the bunnies until they are old enough to be turned loose, then they won't be afraid of humans. This is a bad thing. They need to have a natural fear. I did a google search to look for a rehabillitator and didn't find anything so I called my local vet and they were able to point me in the right direction. I know you want to do the right thing. But it's in the baby's best interest if you find someone who knows what they're doing. Good luck.

Answer 3

Kitten milk replacer is what is recommended for baby bunnies. You can put it in a small bottle for it. Both the milk and the bottle can be found at most pet stores and vet offices.

Answer 4

I'd try the kitten milk. Either way, it looks pretty grim. Chances are it won't survive, especially because the mother starts weaning them at 4 weeks. It should be able to eat already. It's very hard to raise orphaned rabbits, but if you want to try, here's some useful information.

Answer 5

Absolutly not it needs GOAT MILK you can get it in the grocery store it contains more fat that babies need kitten or puppy replacement milk does not look it up on the internet we raised 2 on goat milk both done great

Answer 6

Feed KMR (kitten milk) do not give whole milk. I have been rehabbing bunnies for 10 years now.

Be advised they are very hard to raise.

Answer 7

Kitten Milk Replacer For Rabbits

Answer 8

Kitten milk replacer can be found at Petsmart or Petco or a good pet supply store.

I guess this is a wild bunny, please check out this website for lots of helpful info: http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/orphan.html

Answer 9

I would think kitten milk would be OK....employees at your local PETSMART or PETCO can tell you for sure . Oh, rabbits don't eat hay, Garden type veggies....in my experience (I feed the rabbits at the church) they didn't eat the carrots til they were wilty.

Answer 10

u should have asked the a worker at the pet shop but don't feed him that. give the bunny regular milk instead.