BackYardHerds Forum

KMR is the answer.  We use a syringe.  TB at first, then a larger one when they are taking more.  But only when mom has given up or is dead.

But ... only, only if the mother is not feeding or has passed on.  We do not supplement babies.  As stated in the above post, we may move babies between mothers if the litters are too large or a mother does not take care.  But we do everything possible for the baby to stay with a mom.
Remember, mothers do not feed during the day.  To make sure the babies are being taken care of, check for pudgy tummies.  They should look like little Walrus at this stage!

If she is doing her job, but there is a concern about the amount they are getting.  Check the water intake of the doe.  In this heat they drink more than normally necessary to sustain a litter.  Give extras ... bananas work great, yogurt too.  Can supplement with calf manna ... just a few pellets in each feeding (8-12).  Also probiotics (either water based or the cow tube) or Neutracal.  All work great.

Best of luck ...

Bunnylady wrote:

I breed does in groups, so I won't ever have to hand raise babies. I've done it in the past, but the does always do a better job than I ever could. KMR (Kitten Milk Replacer) is available at most pet stores, and is what I've always heard recommended.

Forgive my nosiness, but is the mother absolutely a no-go?

First Things First....I Just Want To Thank Each And Everyone For Replieing To My Post...Over All My Doe Is Doing A Good Job At Feeding The Babys, BUT....There Is One Baby That Isn't Getting Feed....I think It Might Be the Runt...When I Use This KMRHow Warm Dose It needTo Be? Room Temp? I'm Goin To Have To Keep This One In Side And Try And Nurse It Back...thanks Again Everyone...

dbunni wrote:

First, do not separate the baby from the pack.  It is in the pack that it learns to fight for the food and develop muscles.  If alone, the baby will have no motivation to grow and mature.  You are giving it all it needs, so why move?

KMR ... luke warm like feeding a baby.   but ... you really don't need to do this.  In the middle of the day bring mother and baby together for a private feeding.  The baby will only need a couple of minutes on her.  Set both on a non slip surface... towel works great.  If mother does not want to cooperate, set her in your lap upside down and place the baby on mommy.  Hold the doe, she may try to kick the kit off.

This kit may be a runt or fadder.  In that case you are fighting a loosing battle.  I am sorry to say.  We do loose a percentage of babies before they mature into healthy 12 week old kits.  As much as we try to save them all, we cannot.  As a vet tech, I should know!

good luck ... once again ... keep with the pack and work with mother before you head down the KMR route.

Thanks Again For Your Replie, I Wish I Had Read This Before I did What I Did..I Ran To The TSC And Bought The KMR And Feed The Baby Some And i Gotta Say This,, The Little Booger Was Glad To Get It...But After that I put It Back Back With The Other Babys, And I Bring All Of Them Inside Due To The 90++ Heat We Have Here.And Put them Back In The Evening With The Mother...Should I Still Do that With this Baby,? Put It Back It With Mom? This Is My First Time Doin This, Trying To Raise Rabbits, Most of the Time I Raise Chickens...So I'm Sorry If I Ask To Much , But Thank You And Everyone Else For There Help.........

Just Want To Say Thank You Again to everyone For there Help.After All My Wife And I Did This Morning For The Baby, We Lost it, But On the Up Side If There Is Such a Thing, The Other Four Seem To Be Doin Well,Every Morning There Little Bellys Are Full....Thanks Again