A 7-day-old rabbit has just opened its eyes. It hasn't grown any teeth yet, and only a small amount of downy fur covers its body, giving it a very pink and tender appearance.
These tiny, week-old bunnies, with their brand-new eyes, instinctively seek out their mother's milk, exhibiting their adorable nature. Their ears are quite small, and they are only able to crawl at this stage. Due to the sparse downy fur, they appear quite pink and their thermoregulation is very poor. They are highly susceptible to both cold and heat. It’s crucial for owners to provide them with a temperature-controlled environment to ensure their health and comfort.
Caring for Baby Rabbits
Caring for newborn rabbits requires extra attention and understanding of their needs to ensure they thrive.
Feeding
When feeding the baby rabbits, it’s generally best to allow the mother rabbit to nurse them naturally. If the mother has sufficient milk, she will usually initiate feeding on her own. However, if you find that the babies are not getting enough milk, you may need to assist with bottle feeding using a specialized milk replacement formula for rabbits.
Diet as they Grow
As the rabbits grow older, you can begin to introduce alfalfa hay, which is very nutritious and easy for them to digest. Fresh, cool water should be available at all times.
Housing
Once the rabbits have grown their full coat of fur, they can be moved into a cage. If the cage is not made of wood, ensure you provide a wooden platform or mat to help keep them comfortable. Offering a cage with built-in toys is also recommended to keep them from becoming bored, which can lead to destructive habits. Careful attention to the environment, especially temperature, during the first few weeks is also important for a baby rabbit's health.