Dwarf hotot

Question
QUESTION: I have recently bought a dwarf hotot. He is only 7.5oz and isnt eating pellets. I went to the pet store and they told me to give him milk. I would like to know how long he should be on milk and how old is he. I know he will grow to 2.5-3 pounds so I am guessing he is very young. What else should I be feeding him?
ANSWER: Dear Char,

Good lord!  That pet shop must KNOW they have sold you an illegally young rabbit if they suggested you feed him milk!  In any case, do NOT feed him cow's milk.  That will really do a number on his little intestine.  

Please read this right away:

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

which explains the danger of weaning a rabbit too young, and what to do if you see any sign of runny stool (which can quickly kill a baby).  If you do think the baby needs formula, you can consider him an "orphan" and use the recipe and protocols here to successfully raise him:

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

If you see *any* sign of runny stool, please find a good rabbit vet here for immediate emergency help:

www.rabbit.org/vets

It is illegal in most states for anyone to sell a mammal younger than 8 weeks of age, for good reason.  A baby weaned too young is very susceptible to all kinds of illnesses.  In a rabbit, it's even worse.

I hope he does well in your loving care.  But SHAME on that pet store for selling you a baby that needs this much special care!  

Good luck, and please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana

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

QUESTION: Thank you so much for the quick response. Thankfully I didnt buy him from a pet store I was just seeking information there about him. Is there something else I should be feeding him besides milk since I dont know how old he is?  

Answer
Dear Char,

Ah, so you *are* taking care of a little orphan.  Is there any way you can send me a picture via email?  If so, my address is dana@miami.edu  If I can see what he looks like, I may be able to estimate how old he is, and whether he still needs formula.

If his eyes are open and he's hopping around, then you can leave a little bowl of pellets, a very shallow bowl of clean water, and a big ball of fresh timothy hay.  Babies as young as two weeks start to nibble solid food, and this is when their mother's antibodies (in her milk) become very important.  That's why I suggest adding colostrum to the formula at:

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

It can help prevent overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut.

Hope he'll be fine in your good care!

Dana