New born Rabbits I need Professional Advice ASAP!?

Question

Houdini just had 3 newborns like an hour ago and I need to know how do i care for them. Its winter and its cold in the garage, Need Vetrinarain Help!

Answer 1

First of all - congratulations on your new bunny family! And - don't panic, your Mum bunny should have it all under control - have a read of these articles for a LOT of helpful info and advice -

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/surpriselitter.html

http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/orphan.html

I quote from this first article -
"Step 1: Separate the parent rabbits so that the male can see/hear/interact with his mate, but not mate with her. Keep the male nearby and able to nuzzle his mate through a physical barrier, if possible. Rabbits form very strong bonds with their mates, and separation can not only create unwanted stress and sadness for the rabbits, but also make it difficult to reintroduce the parents once they are spayed/neutered. Be sure mama and papa are able to interact, though they must not be allowed to mate again. Rabbits are "induced ovulators": the very act of mating induces ovulation, and makes pregnancy almost assured. You're separating papa not because he might harm the babies (many rabbit fathers are very gentle and loving with baby rabbits), but because he can impregnate the mother again within hours after the birth. Because rabbit gestation is only 28 - 31 days, this means she'll give birth again before her first litter is weaned. It doesn't take much math to figure out that this is not good for the mother's health, nor that of either of her litters!

Step 2: Provide mama and her babies with a quiet, sheltered place where they will not be disturbed. A seldom-used bathroom with a darkened corner for the nest box is ideal. If mama has pulled her fur, it's because she is planning to use it to line the nest. If she hasn't made the nest yet, you can do it for her, and then place the babies in the nest. If mama has already made a nest, then leave it intact, and simply move it to the nest box. A covered litterbox (the type used for cats) makes a good nest box. It should be lined with a towel on the bottom (but make sure the towel has no loose strings or holes, since babies can get tangled and strangled!) topped with a layer of soft hay or straw. The babies in their nest should be placed on top of the hay. Make sure mama sees where her babies are, and then let her choose what to do."
Please see this first article for more detailed and great info - http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/surpriselitter.html

And very, very best of luck to you, Houdini, and the baby bunns :-)

Answer 2

Are they in a nesting box or some other sort of box-like structure? This is will help momma and her babies feel more secure and generate more body heat. Also, mother rabbits will only feed their young about once a day, normally between late night and very early morning. You'll know they're being fed if you check on them in the morning and they have full, warm bellies. Other than that, they should take care of themselves. Separate them from mom at eight weeks and separate the females and males at about three months, or earlier if possible to prevent breeding.

Answer 3

You need to bring them inside if you leave them outside they will freeze to death. Besides rabbits make great house pets. You should read the book the House Rabbit Handbook and go to these websites. On the House Rabbit Society page you can find a local rabbit savvy vet to make an appt with to get your girl spayed. Unspayed females have an 80% cancer rate.

Answer 4

Don't touch the babies without getting the mothers sent on your had and just make sure there in the nest box and check everyday to make sure non of them have died other then that the mother rabbit will do the rest.

Answer 5

Make sure the mom has a shelter area with access to clean water, lots of bedding and some quiet. Momma knows how to take care of her babies, so you just concentrate on making sure momma has what she needs and don't disturb her too much right now.

Answer 6

As long as the mom is in the bed with them they should be OK. as long as she is staying with them. My cousin's rabbit just had baby's and they are in outside pen's

Answer 7

Make sure she has a nest box. She will line it with her fur to keep babies warm.

Answer 8

Get lost