Can Rabbits Drink Milk? Tips on Milk Replacers and Orphan Rabbit Feeding

Last Updated on May 30, 2023 by

Rabbits are adorable and fragile, especially when they are very young. It’s quite unfortunate that some of them are orphaned while they are still a baby. During these hard times, it’s important to know what to do if you plan on being their primary caregiver.

If you have an orphan rabbit, you will want to know how to feed rabbit milk to them. This article includes information on the different types of milk replacers you can feed them, as well as tips and warnings on how to feed milk to rabbits properly.

So, whether you are a beginner pet owner or an enthusiast, keep reading for helpful tips!

What Kind of Milk Can Orphaned Rabbits Drink?

When orphaned rabbits need to drink milk, there are a variety of different options to choose from. Some natural rabbit milk products are available, such as kitten milk replacers (KMR) and brands made specifically for bunnies.

However, many people also find that goat milk is a great choice for these adorable little critters, as it’s generally easier to come by and more cost-effective than specialized rabbit milk.

It should not be a question that one has to be cautious when feeding rabbits with milk. Rabbits are biologically different from other animals such as dogs and cats and not all milk that is suitable for them is suitable for bunnies.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on what’s available in your area and your own personal preferences. Whether you’re using natural dairy or KMR-style brand milk, though, one thing is certain: orphaned bunnies will always be happy to have a fresh glass of milk!

What Else to Feed Orphan Baby Rabbits?

When it comes to caring for orphan baby rabbits, there are a few things that you need to know. First off, it’s important to feed them the right foods at the right time.

Orphan baby rabbits need not stay on milk for too long. Rabbit diet changes fast because they grow fast. The right food for them in their first week of life is not necessarily suitable for them when they have reached months of age.

For months 2 through 4 months of age:

You should offer a diet that consists mainly of warm water, along with some greens and seeds.

From months 5 through 8 months of age:

Incorporate more protein into their diets by adding fresh vegetables and meat to their meals.

At 18 days old and older:

Your baby rabbits will benefit from receiving access to plenty of hay and dry food as well as regular exercise. By providing these essential elements to your orphaned rabbits’ diets, you can ensure that they grow up healthy and strong!

Best Milk Substitute for Baby Bunnies

Kitten milk replacers (KMR) are a good substitute that is available in the market. This is filled with calories and nutrients that will help rabbits grow strong. Goat milk is also a good substitute if KMR milk is not available.

Nothing is as good as natural rabbit’s milk for rabbits to grow strong and healthy. However, we need to be realistic. It might be hard to find natural rabbit milk when the mother has died.

Can you feed baby rabbits powdered milk?

You should not feed rabbits powdered milk. Powdered milk is derived from cow’s milk and these have very different properties from the milk provided by mama bunnies.

Besides, rabbits are lactose intolerant and this kind of milk is not lactose-free. The closest kind of milk that baby rabbits can take is KMR or Kitten Milk Replacers.

Can you give cow’s milk to baby rabbits?

You should not feed rabbits cow’s milk. Cow’s milk has different chemical properties as compared to rabbit’s milk and this makes it unsuitable for bunnies.

Can you give goat’s milk to baby rabbits?

Goat’s milk is an apt substitute for rabbit’s milk. These are also healthier for bunnies as compared to cow’s milk. Goat milk seems to fit well into baby rabbits’ constitution.

Also, remember that milk should only be given up to 18 weeks of age. Once a bunny reaches this age it can be introduced to solids and to the regular bunny diet of grass, hay, and leafy greens.

Can rabbits drink soy milk?

Soy is not poisonous to bunnies but they are not recommended as part of their daily diet and are especially not recommended to be a substitute for natural rabbit’s milk.

Soy milk has a high concentration of fats and proteins that will irritate the bowels of bunnies.

Can rabbits drink coconut milk?

There is way too much fat in coconut milk for an adult bunny. This is an unhealthy drink for them and should not be treated as a substitute for natural rabbit milk.

Comparison of Rabbit, Kitten, and Mammal Milk Replacer

When it comes to the early weaning of rabbits, kitten and mammal milk replacers do have certain key differences.

When a pet rabbit is orphaned, it is important to know how to properly feed them milk in order to ensure their health and well-being. In a study conducted in 2020, it was found that rabbits who were fed rabbit milk replacer (RMR) showed a lower trend in nutrient digestibility than those who.

Kitten milk replacers contain more fat than rabbit milk replacers. Therefore, kittens tend to gain more fat mass than rabbits when they are early weaned. Both groups had similar efficiencies in terms of muscle mass and bone density.

In conclusion, there are no major differences between rabbit and kitten milk replacers in terms of efficiency. There are only some minor differences in body composition.

This makes KMR (kitten milk replacers) a good substitute for rabbit’s milk.

How Much Milk Should You Feed a Baby Rabbit

For younger bunnies, it’s generally recommended that you start with just a few milliliters per feeding and gradually increase the amount as they get older.

While it might be tempting to give your baby bunny a big bowl of milk, the truth is that how much milk you should feed them depends on their age.

As always, it’s important to consult your veterinarian regarding the specifics of your bunny’s diet and feeding schedule, taking into account factors like overall health and size.

Whether you opt for KMR or goat’s milk depends on your individual situation, but either way, your baby rabbit will appreciate all the love and care that you put into making sure they have everything they need to grow up happy and healthy.

How to Feed Newborn Bunny with Substitute Milk

When it comes to feeding newborn bunnies, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind.

First, they should only be given warm milk in moderation, as they can easily overdose on the liquid.

Additionally, it’s advisable to seek the advice of a veterinarian before deciding on appropriate substitute milk.

To make sure that your bunny babies stay properly nourished, you should also consider their size and adjust the quantity of milk appropriately.

Overall, if you follow these simple tips for feeding newborn bunnies with substitute milk, you can ensure that they get all of the nutrients and support that they need for healthy growth and development.

Replacement Milk Warnings for Baby Rabbits

There are a few warnings that one should heed when using replacement milk to raise baby bunnies. Some of them are as follows:

1. Before giving your bunnies milk, ask for vet advice.
2. Do not overfeed bunnies
3. Bunnies should be weaned off milk as they grow
4. Check the nutritional content of any replacement milk to be given to a bunny
5. Check your bunnies consistently for any adverse reactions to substitute milk

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! These are all you need to know about how to feed milk to orphan rabbits, what milk substitutes are suitable, and what you’ll need to watch out for.

Remember, baby rabbits are extremely fragile, and even more so when their mother is absent. But with proper diet and care, your little furry friend will survive and thrive over time!