Feeding abandoned babies

Question
Dear Dr

I suppose she is quite old, around 4 yrs old. Having gave birth around 10 times in 4 years. Is it normal that rabbits do not feed their babies? I've encounter around 4 out of 10 times, the mama rabit refuse to feed the babies.

Now the mama rabbits love to drink milk. Is that common?

Thank you

Vincent
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Followup To

Question -
Dear Dr,

The mama rabbits is not producing milk to feed it's babies? I have tried to press the milk gland of the mama rabbit.No milk came out. The babies are quite dehydrated & their skin looks wrinkled. How do I prepare special milk formula to feed the little bunnies? They are 2 days old.

PLEASE HELP!!
Thank you

Answer -
I don't know why she isn't producing milk, but, there's information at http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html#baby on how to handfeed baby bunnies.  You will need KMR, which is generally available at pet stores.

Good luck.

Kim

Answer
Mother rabbits can reject their litters for a number of reasons.  I believe Dave Lawrence on this forum could actually answer this question better for you, since we don't breed rabbits.  If she doesn't feed them, you can, there's info at http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html#baby on how to do this.

I've never had an adult rabbit like to drink milk, after weaning they really don't have the correct enzymes to digest it.

Kim