Baby Bunnies!!

Question
Hello there, thank you for being available for questions!
I walked into my apartment last night to a litter of bunnies on the floor of my rabbit's cage.  While I knew there was a slight possibility that she could be pregnant, I truly did not think that she was...I had been checking around 12 to 14 days after the "incident" took place and felt nothing.  Also, she is about to turn two and this is her first litter, which also surprised me, as some resources say that it is difficult for a rabbit over one to have a successful litter (for the first time).  I have too many questions to ask, but my main concern is for the babies at this time.  There were six bunnies in the cage.  Three were already dead, one of which was left with only his head (which I've read is not uncommon).  The three remaining babies have been pulled from the cage and placed in a nestbox because my female was thumping frequently throughout the night and was not showing any regard for the babies.  I am now bottle/syringe feeding the babies kitten formula (alternating between mixing the formula with water and with pedialyte) every two hours or so.  They are staying warm and are moving around quite a bit.  I am concerned, however, that I am not assisting them in elimination correctly.  I am using a cotton ball dipped in warm water, like it says to do online, but how long should I be wiping the area.  Should I expect elimination after every feeding?  Also, i found teensy tiny black balls in their nest box, also some wet spots.  I thought they were unable to eliminate on their own.  Could this be something else? (The black balls are not bugs or anything, I examined them quite closely.) Also, if you have time, I was wondering about acidophilus.  I read one article that mentioned both kitten formula and acidophilus, but it was unclear whether both were supposed to be given or just one or the other.  From what I understand, acidophilus is a milk substitute of some kind? I don't know where to get it either.
Thank you so much for your time, I do realize this is quite an extensive question, but as you may be able to tell, I don't quite know what I am doing and these little babies are already very important to me!
Take care,
Jenn

Answer
Dear Jenn,

Congratulations?

I'm sorry about the loss of the three, but I hope you'll be successful with the remaining babies.

First, it would be best for them if you can get mama to nurse them.  She may need a shot of oxytocin from the vet to get her milk flowing, but it contains all the natural nutrients and antibodies that they need for best health.  It's possible that you could hold mama gently over the nest box and let the babies feed.  She may object at first, but once they start suckling her instincts should kick in, and she may care for them.

For help with set up and feeding, please see:

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

and for feeding and elimination:

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

I've found that wiping with a wet cottonball isn't as effective at inducing elimination as just wetting a fingertip and gently *tapping* the urogenital bump with a relatively rapid motion, mimicking mama's tongue.  It can take 15-20 seconds to get a response, but I hold the baby in the palm of my left hand with one finger gently appressed to the bladder area and tap with the right (you can reverse this, if you're left-handed).

You can actually feel the muscles of the bladder tighten if you're doing it right, and the stimulus is working.  You'll get that warm gush of approval right all over your hand.  :)

It's good you're seeing wee poops and pee, but I would not stop stimulation. An overfull bladder can rupture with fatal results.

Also, be on the lookout for *any* sign of runny stool/diarrhea.  Please see:

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

If you do see diarrhea, be ready with this:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/squirts.pdf

Baby rabbits are *very* susceptible to E. coli from human hands, so it's vital that you disinfect your hands with hot water and disinfectant soap (surgical scrub is preferable, and is available at many feed stores in the horse section; otherwise, Betadine and peroxide hand wash will help) before feeding or handling them.

I hope this helps, and that your babies will thrive.  (And don't forget to have mama spayed once she's recovered from the birth.  Please read:  www.rabbit.org/health/spay.html

Good luck!
Dana