Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Rabbits > information on a wild newborn

information on a wild newborn

22 11:17:10

Question
I need help right away.  My daughter found a newborn eyes still closed, baby about almost 2 weeks old left on sidewalk, either mom dropped it or it wandered way away from the nest and couldn't be found by the mom.  I need to know what to feed the baby.  I keep it with me 24/7 inside a shoe box under a face rag and am feeding it baby formula for now.  I have 5 rabbits, 2 are crippled, but the mothers took care of the babies although I was around when the newborns were here.

this is a newborn from the wild but i need to keep it alive and need information.  

will pedialyte and esbilac help?  i've had my rabbits for 5 years and knew to start solid food at about 3-4 weeks or when bugsy stopped nursing, but i need help with this little one.

help, thanks.

rita

Answer
Wild baby bunnies require somewhat different care than domestic baby bunnies.  Their eyes open at 10 days of age, and they can be given kitten formula twice a day.  At 3-4 weeks they wean and can be released to the wild.

You can find more info on care and what amounts to feed them at http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/orphan.html

Be sure to wash your hands before and after handling the wild rabbit, both for his health and the health of your other rabbits.

Kim