orphaned baby buns

Question
Hi Dr. Krempels, I have 4 orphaned bunnies, about 4 1/2 weeks
old (mother died) that I am fostering, and I have been doing a
ton of research (House Rabbit Society site has been so helpful!). I
am really worried about their health, I had no idea their digestive
tracts were so delicate. I have been giving them alfalfa and
unlimited pellets, but I am afraid this is not enough. 1 bunny is
losing all her hair, but there is no dandruff or ectoparasites I can
see..additionally, I noticed some diarrhea this morning, but it
looked like that White Out correction fluid. Help! What do I do
for my bunnies?  

Answer
Dear Willa,

It's not easy to raise baby rabbits, but I hope this will help:

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

Diarrhea is bad news, and could indicate a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract.  If you can get the baby to a vet, ask about using a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, in case this is due to E. coli (which is often the case, when humans raise baby rabbits, since we're covered with these bacteria--beneficial to us, but potentially harmful to baby rabbits without a fully developed immune system).

You can find a good vet to help you here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope this helps.

Dana