cannot find answer to my question on the kit thats not eating

Question
QUESTION: Hi
if you have already answered my question about the one kit that is not being
fed, i cannot find it! Could you send me the link or the answer again?? I'm
really nervous about this little one!!

Thankyou


ANSWER: Dear Lauren,

Here is the answer I sent you early on January 1:

Dear Lauren,

At this point, it sounds as if you need to intervene.  If you can see when mama goes into the nest box to feed her babies, then I would remove the strong baby for just a few minutes to let the little one have a chance to feed without being pushed out of the way.  Once he's had a little time to feed, you can put the bigger baby back with mama and let them both feed.

But it also sounds as if the little one is already so weak he may need some help with a feeding from you, just so he can compete with the other one.  You can use the instructions here for feeding the baby:

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

KMR will be okay, but expect the baby to reject it, and be very patient, letting him get a drop or two into his mouth, swallowing it, and repeating this until he's had about 2-3 cc's, at least.  This will bring up his blood sugar and his strength and make him more likely to want to eat.  At this point, he could be starving, and once he gets into that mode he might not eat even if mama is standing right over him.  That's why you need to give him a little help.

I'm glad you were able to rescue him from the towel!  One thing we always warn people about is to NOT use towels or blankets with any loose threads or holes, as they can be deadly to little ones.  It's good you found him when you did!

Be sure the little baby is warm, too.  If he's cold, he'll be less likely to eat.  So a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel might be necessary for him to snuggle for about 10 minutes before you try feeding, if he seems cold and wrinkly.

Good luck!!

Dana


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hi there, i attempted the first feeding before i got your response. He only took
in a small ammount.. About 10 drops.. And refused to suck... Im going to try
again in the morning when i'll be able to get some colostrum. How long
should i continue with the feedings? Will i have tocontinue hand feeding this
baby till its weaned? Or will it eventually return to the mothers care when its
stronger?

Again, you are a lifesaver!! Thankyou sooo much!!


Answer
Hi, Lauren,

It's typical for a baby to refuse formula at first:  it tastes funny to them, and the nipple just isn't mom.  You have to be persistent and patient, and feed them until they take a full amount, as explained here:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/orphan.html#How%20much%20formula%20should%20I

Also do try the trick of getting mama to feed the baby once he's a little stronger from the feedings you give him.  It's possible that you won't have to keep feeding him if he can "catch up" to his sibling and be able to compete better for milk.  That's a lot easier (and better for the baby) than feeding him yourself.

Until that happens, though, keep up the feedings.  If you can't get enough in him at one feeding, wait an hour or two, and try again until you get the recommended amount into him, and his tummy is round and full.

Be sure to keep the baby in the nest with his sibling so mama won't reject him.  I'll bet you can get him back on mama's milk as soon as he's a little stronger.

Good luck!

Dana