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My rabbit isn't feeding her babies. Should I feed them or keep warm?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 4 years and 7 months old | 4 lbs

My Rabbit isn't feeding milk to her babies since they are born(Today around 3 a.m) it's been more the 15 hours she hadn't fed them yet... What should i do? Can i feed them with cow, buffalo or goat milk ? Or should i just let them sleep? And do i need to keep them warm?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 21st, 2017

Does are usually great mothers and will take excellent care of their babies. Keep in mind that baby bunnies can safely go 1 - 2 days before getting a full ‘meal.’ This is a protective mechanism since in the wild the doe might need to stay away from the nest for a while to avoid leading predators to her kits. Mother rabbits only ever feed their kits once a day, rarely twice, and that for just 5 to 10 minutes. In this short time frame, the kits get their whole day’s milk supply. So, if you never see the doe go near the nest box, but the little kits have round tummies, everything is fine. You don’t need to help nature along. The doe is doing her job while you’re in bed asleep. If you find that she is not feeding them at all after 2 days then refer to this link to an article on how to raise orphan bunnies. There is a recipe you can use in their to make formula. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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39Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2017

    I think you need to be prepared for the fact that you may need to bottle feed them. However, keep in mind that rabbits only feed/nurse their young 1-2 times a day. I would give her about 48 hrs before starting any intervention. She may be feeding them when you aren’t around or she may have increased anxiety with you there, especially if you are handling the babies. Good luck!!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Mallori Kaminski, BVSc

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 19th, 2017

    Rabbit's milk is very rich, and she will only feed them once a day, usually overnight. Otherwise she ignores them, this is a protective mechanism so she doesn't lead predators to the nest. You are unlikely to see her feeding, but you can check the kits in the morning and they should have nice full bellies and be relatively settled. It's very rare for a bunny not to feed her babies, so you shouldn't need to intervene.

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    Answered By Dr. Dayna, DVM, CVA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on November 21st, 2017

    Rabbits nurse very infrequently. Usually only once a day or so. Rabbits are also one of the species that do not do well at all with milk supplementation. The best option for rabbits is to leave them alone as much as possible for the first 1-2 Weeks. The less stressed Mom is the better she will mother. Best of luck and have fun watching those babies! Thank you for using Pet Coach.

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    3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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