I remember the first time I saw a litter of baby rabbits—tiny, fragile, and completely dependent on their mother.
Their eyes were still closed, their fur was barely covering their delicate skin, and they wriggled around blindly, searching for warmth and comfort. It was a heartwarming sight, but also a reminder of just how much care and attention these little creatures needed in their early weeks of life.
Feeding baby rabbits properly is crucial for their growth, health, and survival. Whether you’re caring for an orphaned bunny or simply wondering what your baby rabbit should be eating at each stage, this week-by-week guide will help you understand their nutritional needs.
Understanding a Baby Rabbit’s Natural Diet
In the wild, mother rabbits (does) nurse their kits once or twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk. Rabbit milk is incredibly rich in nutrients, helping baby rabbits gain strength quickly. By the time they reach 3-4 weeks old, they begin nibbling on solid food while still nursing.
Pet baby rabbits should follow a similar feeding pattern. However, if the mother isn’t around, you’ll need to step in and provide the necessary nutrition, ensuring they get the right balance of milk, hay, and pellets as they grow.
What to Feed a Baby Rabbit at Each Stage
2 Weeks Old – Fully Dependent on Mother’s Milk
At two weeks old, baby rabbits are entirely dependent on their mother’s milk. Their eyes have just opened, and they are starting to move around more, but they are not yet ready for solid food.
Feeding Guide:
✔️ Mother’s milk (best option) – Kits should continue nursing from their mother. She typically feeds them once or twice a day for just a few minutes, but her milk is highly concentrated and full of essential nutrients.
✔️ Kitten Milk Replacement (for orphaned rabbits) – If the mother isn’t available, you’ll need to feed them a formula like Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) or goat’s milk.
Avoid cow’s milk, as it’s too difficult for rabbits to digest.
🔹 Feeding Schedule for Orphaned Kits:
2-3 cc/ml of formula per feeding
Twice a day (morning and evening)
Use a syringe or a small pet nursing bottle
At this stage, baby rabbits should be kept in a warm, quiet environment and handled gently to avoid stress.
Read more: Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Care Guide
3 Weeks Old – First Nibbles of Hay
By three weeks, baby rabbits become more active and curious. They start exploring their surroundings and may begin nibbling on solid food, although they still rely on their mother’s milk.
Feeding Guide:
✔️ Mother’s milk (primary source of nutrition)
✔️ Kitten Milk Replacement (for orphans) – Increase to 5-7 cc/ml per feeding
✔️ Timothy Hay – Introduce small amounts for them to explore and chew on
✔️ Fresh water – A shallow dish of water can be provided, though most kits won’t drink
much at this stage
This is a transition period where they start experimenting with hay but aren’t fully weaned yet. Keep an eye on their digestion—any signs of bloating or diarrhea indicate they might be eating too much too soon.
4 Weeks Old – Gradually Transitioning to Solid Food
At four weeks, baby rabbits become even more independent. They will start eating more hay and even small amounts of pellets, but they still need milk.
Feeding Guide:
✔️ Mother’s milk (if available, still essential)
✔️ Kitten Milk Replacement for orphans (7-10 cc/ml per feeding)
✔️ Unlimited Timothy Hay – Now a crucial part of their diet
✔️ Small amounts of high-quality pellets – Start with plain, alfalfa-based pellets, free of seeds, dried fruit, or artificial ingredients
✔️ Fresh water – In a shallow dish or a water bottle
🔹 Important Note:Avoid introducing vegetables at this stage. Their digestive systems are still developing, and introducing fresh greens too early can cause serious digestive problems.
5 Weeks Old – Milk Intake Decreases, More Solid Food
At five weeks, the baby rabbit’s digestive system is maturing, and they are relying less on milk. Most rabbits at this stage are eating a significant amount of hay and pellets, with milk becoming a secondary source of nutrition.
Feeding Guide:
✔️ Milk (still beneficial, but not necessary if they are eating well)
✔️ Unlimited Timothy Hay – The main component of their diet
✔️ Pellets (1/8 cup per day) – Continue offering plain alfalfa-based pellets
✔️ Water – Always available
Most mother rabbits will naturally begin the weaning process around this time, spending less time nursing their kits. If you’re bottle-feeding an orphaned rabbit, you can start reducing the amount of formula given.
6 Weeks Old – Fully Weaned & Eating Independently
By six weeks, baby rabbits should be fully weaned from milk and eating a diet similar to that of an adult rabbit. Their digestive system is still delicate, so sudden dietary changes should be avoided.
Feeding Guide:
✔️ Timothy Hay (unlimited) – Essential for digestion and dental health
✔️ Pellets (1/8 - 1/4 cup per day) – Continue with alfalfa-based pellets
✔️ Water (fresh and always available)
🔹 At This Stage:
No milk is needed anymore.
They are developing strong chewing habits, so offer safe chew toys.
Avoid fresh fruits or vegetables until at least 12 weeks old.
7-8 Weeks Old – Strengthening Digestive Health
By seven to eight weeks old, baby rabbits should be thriving on a hay-based diet with pellets and water. Their digestive system is still adjusting, so introducing new foods too early can cause bloating or diarrhea.
Feeding Guide:
✔️ Timothy Hay (unlimited, still the most important food)
✔️ Pellets (1/8 - 1/4 cup per day, plain and alfalfa-based)
✔️ Water (fresh and clean daily)
🔹 Avoid:
Vegetables & Fruits – These should not be introduced until at least 12 weeks old.
Treats & Processed Foods – No commercial treats or sugary foods.
At this stage, baby rabbits continue growing rapidly, and their diet should remain consistent. The transition to an adult rabbit diet (which includes leafy greens) should begin after 12 weeks.
FAQs: What to Feed Baby Rabbits (2-8 Weeks Old)
1. What should I do if the mother rabbit is not feeding her babies?
If the mother rabbit is not feeding her babies, the first thing to do is determine whether she is truly neglecting them. Rabbit mothers often only nurse once or twice a day, usually at dawn or dusk, and it happens very quickly—sometimes within just a few minutes. Because of this, many owners mistakenly assume the mother isn’t feeding her babies when she actually is.
How to Check if the Kits Are Being Fed:
✔️ Warm, round bellies – Well-fed kits have full, slightly rounded bellies.
✔️ They are quiet and huddled together – Hungry kits will be restless, wriggling a lot, or crying.
✔️ Healthy skin color – Well-fed kits have pink, hydrated skin rather than wrinkled, dry, or pale skin.
If the Mother Truly Isn’t Feeding:
🚨 Step in with hand-feeding using a Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) or goat’s milk. Never use cow’s milk—it’s too harsh for their digestion.
🚨 Feed newborn kits 2-3 times per day, increasing volume gradually as they grow (about 2-7 cc/ml per feeding depending on age).
🚨 Provide a warm, quiet space free from loud noises and stress.
If you are unsure whether the kits are being fed, consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately—baby rabbits are fragile, and missing feedings can be life-threatening.
2. Can baby rabbits drink cow’s milk?
No, never give a baby rabbit cow’s milk. Rabbits have a very different digestive system than humans, and cow’s milk is too high in lactose and too low in essential nutrients for them. It can cause:
❌ Severe digestive upset – Leading to bloating, diarrhea, and dehydration.
❌ An imbalance of gut bacteria – Which can result in fatal gastrointestinal issues.
❌ Failure to thrive – Because cow’s milk does not provide the necessary nutrients.
Safe Milk Alternatives for Orphaned Rabbits:
✔️ Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) – Available at pet stores or from veterinarians.
✔️ Goat’s Milk – Fresh, raw goat’s milk (diluted slightly with water) is sometimes used as a substitute.
✔️ Homemade Formula (Vet-Recommended) – A mixture of KMR and heavy whipping cream can sometimes be used in emergencies (since rabbit milk is naturally high in fat).
If you are hand-feeding an orphaned baby rabbit, always use a small syringe and feed them slowly to prevent aspiration (milk accidentally entering the lungs).
3. When should I start introducing solid food to baby rabbits?
Baby rabbits typically start nibbling on solid food at around 3 to 4 weeks old, but they still rely on their mother’s milk (or formula if orphaned). The best first food to introduce is Timothy hay, as it’s easy to chew and provides essential fiber.
Week-by-Week Transition to Solid Food:
✔️ 3-4 weeks: Begin nibbling on Timothy hay, but still nursing.
✔️ 4-5 weeks: Increase hay consumption; introduce a few plain, alfalfa-based pellets (about 1/8 cup per day).
✔️ 6 weeks: Fully weaned off milk; diet consists of hay, pellets, and water.
✔️ 8+ weeks: Continue with unlimited hay, measured pellets, and no fresh vegetables yet.
🔹 Avoid fruits and vegetables before 12 weeks old to prevent digestive issues. Many baby rabbits have fragile stomachs, and introducing new foods too early can cause serious health problems.
4. How do I know if my baby rabbit is eating enough?
Since baby rabbits are small and delicate, ensuring they get enough nutrition is essential for their growth. Here’s how you can tell if they are eating properly:
✔️ Steady weight gain – A healthy baby rabbit should be gaining weight daily (you can track their weight with a kitchen scale).
✔️ Active and alert – Well-fed bunnies are energetic and playful.
✔️ Normal droppings – Poop should be firm, round, and plentiful.
✔️ Consistently eating hay and pellets (by 4-6 weeks old).
If a baby rabbit refuses food, loses weight, or seems weak, this is a red flag. Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems, and any change in appetite should be addressed immediately.
Offer fresh hay at all times, and if they’re not eating, consult a vet right away.
5. Why shouldn’t I feed fresh vegetables to a baby rabbit?
It might seem natural to offer vegetables to a baby rabbit, but doing so too early can be dangerous. Young rabbits have very delicate digestive systems, and fresh veggies can cause diarrhea, bloating, or gas, which can be fatal.
Why Fresh Vegetables Are Risky for Young Rabbits:
❌ Too much moisture – Can upset the delicate gut bacteria.
❌ Lack of digestive adaptation – Baby rabbits need time for their stomachs to develop before handling fiber-rich greens.
❌ Risk of diarrhea – Rabbits rely on stable digestion; too many new foods can cause issues.
When to Introduce Fresh Vegetables:
✔️ At 12 weeks (3 months) old – Introduce a tiny portion of a single leafy green (like romaine lettuce)
.✔️ Monitor for any digestive changes before offering more variety.
✔️ Slowly increase over time – Avoid sudden diet changes.
Once they reach 12 weeks old, rabbits can enjoy a more diverse diet, but until then, stick to hay, pellets, and water.
6. How much water should a baby rabbit drink?
Water is essential for a baby rabbit’s health, but how much they drink depends on their age and diet.
Water Intake by Age:
✔️ 2-4 weeks old: Babies get most of their hydration from milk, but they can start exploring a shallow water dish.
✔️ 4-6 weeks old: Water intake increases as they eat more solid food.
✔️ 6+ weeks old: Fresh water should be available at all times in a bowl or bottle.
Best Ways to Provide Water:
💧 Shallow Dish: Encourages natural drinking behavior, but needs frequent cleaning.💧 Water Bottle: Prevents spills, but some rabbits take time to learn how to use it.
Make sure to change the water daily to keep it fresh. Dehydration can be serious in rabbits, so if your baby rabbit isn’t drinking enough, monitor their behavior and consult a vet if necessary.
Final Thoughts: The Key to Raising Healthy Baby Rabbits
Raising baby rabbits is a delicate process that requires patience, knowledge, and careful attention to their dietary needs. Whether they are with their mother or orphaned, their diet should transition gradually and carefully from milk to hay and pellets.
Key Takeaways:
🐰 Milk is essential for the first 4-6 weeks, either from the mother or a proper formula.
🐰 Hay should be introduced around 3-4 weeks and become their primary food by 6 weeks.
🐰 Pellets should be introduced gradually and should always be plain, alfalfa-based, and free of additives.
🐰 Water should always be available once they start eating solid food.
🐰 No vegetables or fruits before 12 weeks to avoid digestive issues.
Providing the right nutrition during the first two months of life sets the foundation for a healthy, happy adult rabbit.
If you ever feel unsure about their diet, always consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.
Raising baby rabbits is an incredible experience—watching them grow, explore, and thrive is rewarding beyond words.
With the right diet and care, your tiny, fluffy companion will soon become a lively, energetic rabbit ready for a long and healthy life! 🐰❤️
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