Nursing mother rabbit

Question
My rabbit had four babies and now they are about five days old. One of them
seems to be not getting as much milk as the others. It is a little smaller and
less assertive, and I am afraid that it may be getting pushed aside by it's
siblings at mealtimes. Is there anything I can do? I don't want to put it on a
bottle. Should I hold my mother rabbit on my lap and let the baby have extra
feedings?

Answer
Dear Normandie,

Yes, your last idea is a good one.  When mama is ready to feed her babies, take the little one first and let him have a good feed before you put mama with the others.  If you do this for a few days, he will probably be able to catch up enough in growth so that he can compete for a nipple with the others.

Please also see:

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

and

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

I hope this helps. Please write back if you have any other questions.

Dana