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Mother Not Tending To Babies...

22 11:34:03

Question
Hi,

One of our female rabbits gave birth to a litter of 6 babies. They were all healthy, but unfortunately 2 of them have died. 1 yesterday and 1 today. The mother isn't feeding or tending to them at all.

We've tried giving the babies milk with an eyedropper with a bit of success. But I'm wondering if there isn't something else I should be trying to give them. Maybe crushing some green pellets and mixing it with water?

HELP!!!!

Thanks,

Tom Applegate

Answer
Here's some information to help you out.  If they are newborns, at this age they can only eat milk.

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/orphan.html
http://groups.msn.com/AngiesArk/handrearing.msnw

Basically, if they have round little tummies, they are being fed.  If they look wrinkly, they are not being fed.

Rabbit mothers are not like dog or cat mothers, they stay away from the nest so predators can't find the babies, and they only nurse once a day for 5 minutes.

Kim