What to Do If the Mother Rabbit Isn’t Feeding Her Babies: A Guide to Feeding Orphaned Baby Rabbits

Discovering a nest of newborn rabbits with no sign of nursing is one of the most stressful moments for any rabbit owner or rescuer. You see tiny kits lying still, bellies flat, and the questions come fast:

Can they survive without mum?
What should I feed them?
Is cow’s or goat’s milk safe?
How often do they need to eat?

This guide takes you through what to do next, step by step.

Understanding Orphaned Baby Rabbits

Before assuming the mother has abandoned her young, remember that rabbit mothers usually feed their babies only once or twice a day, often late at night. If the babies are warm, still, and have round bellies, she may simply be feeding when you are not watching.

However, if they appear cold, wrinkled, or weak, immediate care is crucial. This is when understanding how to properly feed and warm orphaned baby rabbits becomes vital.

Step 1: Provide Gentle Warmth

Start by placing the kits in a soft-lined box with natural bedding. Use a safe heat source such as the SnuggleSafe Microwave Heat Pad to keep them comfortably warm, but never apply direct heat. Warming them gradually helps stabilise their body temperature before any feeding begins.

Step 2: Rehydrate Before Feeding

Dehydrated kits may need a few drops of a rehydration solution under veterinary advice before they can digest milk. Always consult your vet or a local wildlife carer for guidance.

Step 3: Feed with the Right Formula

Rabbit milk is one of the richest among mammals, containing high levels of protein and fat. Cow’s or goat’s milk lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause digestive distress or even death. The safest option is a species-specific milk replacer formulated for orphaned baby rabbits.

Why Choose Wombaroo Rabbit Milk Replacer

Wombaroo Rabbit Milk Replacer is the leading formula recommended by veterinarians, breeders, and wildlife rescuers. It replicates the nutritional balance of natural rabbit milk and is gentle on developing stomachs.

Key Benefits:

• Complete Nutrition: Mimics rabbit milk composition for balanced growth.
• High Protein and Fat: Promotes strong bones and muscle development.
• Milk Oil for Immunity: Contains natural antimicrobial fatty acids to support gut health.
• Easy to Mix: Dissolves smoothly, fridge- and freezer-safe.
• Vet Trusted: Widely used by professionals in Australia and beyond.

How to Prepare and Feed Wombaroo Formula

To make 1L: Mix 360g of powder with 700mL of pre-boiled warm water (around 35°C).
To make 80mL: Mix 30g of powder with 60mL of water.

Add half the water first to form a smooth paste, then stir in the remainder until fully dissolved. Prepared formula can be refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen for up to two weeks.

Feed warm milk twice daily using a small animal bottle with a Wombaroo C or P teat. After each feed, gently stimulate the kits to urinate and defecate using a soft, damp cloth. From around 15 days, start introducing hay and leafy greens, and gradually wean by five to six weeks.

Avoid sugary or starchy treats such as fruit, carrot or grains, which can cause digestive imbalance.

Supporting Gut and Immune Health

Wombaroo’s unique “Milk Oil” helps stabilise digestion and immunity, both essential for orphaned baby rabbits to thrive. Combined with gentle warmth, hygiene and hydration, it offers the best possible start for fragile newborns.

A Trusted Choice for Raising Orphaned Kits

Across Australia, Wombaroo Rabbit Milk Replacer is trusted by breeders, vets and wildlife carers who specialise in neonatal care. It provides the nutrition and protection orphaned rabbits need to survive, grow and develop into healthy young adults.

Give your little ones their best start in life. Shop Wombaroo Rabbit Milk Replacer today at WeLoveMochi.