Orphaned domestic bunny

22 9:59:33

Question

4-5 weeks??? Just wondering if Critical Care formula is enough to sustain intestinal flora for a young bunny weaned too early - approx 4 - 5 weeks old. Otherwise she is being fed alfalfa, fresh grass, dandelions and a steady supply of mixed CC formula (tbsp. wet) which she polishes off about five times a day.
thanks Dana

Answer
Dear Caroline,

If the bunny is eating solids, I would not give her formula. But you *could* give her colostrum (available in capsules at most good health food stores) if you are worried about controlling bacteria that would normally be kept at bay my mama's antibodies. We suspend a bit of colostrum in water (maybe the contents of a single capsule would be sufficient for a bunny this age) and give it very slowly and carefully via syringe.

But if she's acting fine, doesn't show any sign of runny poop and seems generally healthy, I would not worry about this. Please watch very closely for *any* signs of runny poop, which could signal a health emergency:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

But if she's been with mama for a few weeks, she's already inoculated with normal intestinal flora, and should be fine as long as you only gradually introduce new dietary items:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/diet.html

The Critical Care is a good idea, too. It contains probiotics that will help keep her intestinal flora happy. :)

I hope this helps.

Dana

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