Homemade Rabbit Milk Replacer: A Guide to Raising Healthy Bunnies

If you raise baby rabbits, providing them with proper nutrition is crucial for their growth and development. Commercial rabbit milk replacers can be expensive, but you can easily make a more nutritious and affordable homemade version.

In this article, we will guide you through making a homemade rabbit milk replacer and provide tips on caring for your baby bunnies.

Why Use Homemade Rabbit Milk Replacer

Commercial rabbit milk replacers can be expensive and contain additives and preservatives that are not ideal for your baby rabbits. Homemade rabbit milk replacers, on the other hand, can be made with all-natural ingredients and tailored to meet the specific nutritional needs of your bunnies.

Also, homemade rabbit milk replacer is an excellent option for those living in rural areas or having limited access to commercial rabbit milk replacers.

Nutritional Requirements for Baby Rabbits

Baby rabbits have specific nutritional requirements that must be met to ensure their healthy growth and development. These requirements include:

• High protein content: Baby rabbits need a high-protein diet to support their rapid growth.
• Low-fat content: Too much fat can lead to digestive problems in baby rabbits.
• Essential fatty acids: Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential for brain development and immune function.
• Vitamins and minerals: Baby rabbits require a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to support their overall health and development.

How to Make Homemade Baby Rabbit Milk Replacer

Follow these simple steps to make a homemade rabbit milk replacer. This should ONLY be given to baby rabbits if there is no mother available:

1. ½ cup – of whole goat milk.
2. 0.5 tsp (3 cc/ml) – sugar-free heavy cream.
3. ½ cup – kitten milk replacer or KMR
4. 1 to 1 ½ tbsp – lyophilized (freeze-dried) colostrum.

Feeding Your Baby Rabbits

When feeding your baby rabbits, it is essential to follow these guidelines:

• Depending on age, feed your baby rabbits every 2-3 hours.
• Use a clean bottle or syringe for feeding.
• Warm the milk replacer to body temperature before feeding.
• Allow your baby rabbits to nurse until they are complete.
• Do not force-feed your baby rabbits.
• Clean your baby rabbits after feeding to prevent them from getting chilled.

Storing Homemade Rabbit Milk Replacer

Homemade rabbit milk replacers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Make sure to store it in a clean and airtight container. Before feeding your baby rabbits, always check the milk replacer for any signs of spoilage or separation. If the milk replacer smells sour or has curdled, do not feed it to your rabbits.

Tips for Raising Healthy Baby Bunnies

In addition to providing your baby rabbits with proper nutrition, there are a few other tips to keep in mind for raising healthy bunnies:

• Keep your baby rabbits warm: Baby rabbits cannot regulate their body temperature, so it’s important to keep them warm with a heating pad or a heat lamp.
• Provide clean bedding: Dirty bedding can lead to health problems for your baby rabbits. Change their bedding regularly to keep them clean and healthy.
• Socialize your baby rabbits: Baby rabbits need socialization to become friendly and well-adjusted adults. Spend time with your baby rabbits and handle them gently to help them become comfortable around humans.
• Monitor their health: Keep an eye on your baby rabbits’ weight, appetite, and behavior to ensure they are healthy and happy. Contact a veterinarian if you notice any signs of illness.

Frequently Asked Questions