Finding a nest of baby bunnies can feel both sweet and stressful. These tiny creatures need gentle care to survive, especially if their mother isn’t around.
Proper feeding, warmth, and safety play a big role in keeping them healthy and strong. This guide covers everything you need to know about caring for baby bunnies, including:
- What to do if you find an abandoned nest
- How to set up a warm, safe space
- Early signs of health issues
You’ll also learn when to call a vet or wildlife expert for help. Each section gives clear, simple steps so you can focus on keeping the bunnies safe and growing.
Caring for them isn’t just about feeding, it’s about giving them the best chance at a healthy start.
Understanding Baby Bunny’s Needs
Baby bunnies are not just smaller versions of adult rabbits; they have fragile bodies, need constant warmth, and rely completely on the right feeding schedule.
When I care for them, I make sure their environment stays warm because they can’t regulate body temperature on their own.
I also pay close attention to their age since it affects how often they eat and what they can digest.
You’ll need to feed newborns more often, using special milk, while slightly older ones can handle small amounts of soft food.
Keeping their space quiet and secure helps them feel safe and grow stronger.
Every stage of a baby bunny’s life requires a different level of care, so watching their behavior and size will help you know when to adjust feeding, warmth, and space needs.
What to Do if You Find a Nest of Baby Bunnies?
When I find a nest of baby bunnies, the first thing I do is watch from a distance. Many people think the babies are abandoned, but most of the time, the mother is just away.
She usually visits the nest only a few times a day, often at dawn or dusk.
I check if the babies look warm, clean, and have round bellies, which means the mother is caring for them.
If they seem cold, thin, or crying for long periods, it’s time for you to step in. You can gently cover the nest with grass and check again after 24 hours.
If nothing changes or the mother doesn’t return, contact a wildlife expert or rabbit rescue before trying to feed or move them.
Acting calmly and waiting before handling helps avoid unnecessary stress for the babies.
Setting up a Safe and Warm Space
Creating a comfortable environment is the first step to keeping baby bunnies healthy. A warm, quiet, and secure setup helps them grow and reduces stress.
1. Choose a Quiet Location
Pick a calm, indoor spot away from noise, pets, and foot traffic. Baby bunnies are easily frightened by sudden sounds or movements, which can cause stress or even harm.
A small room, closet corner, or bathroom shelf works well if it stays peaceful and steady in temperature.
Avoid windows and vents since drafts or direct sunlight can make them too cold or hot. Keeping the space calm helps them rest and stay healthy.
2. Maintain the Right Temperature
Baby bunnies can’t regulate their body heat yet, so keeping them warm is key. The temperature should stay around 75–80°F.
You can place a heating pad under half of the box or use a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel.
This lets them move away if they get too warm. Never put the heat source directly against their bodies; it should feel gently warm to your touch, not hot.
A steady, warm space helps prevent chills, which can be dangerous for newborns.
3. Use Soft, Safe Bedding
Line their box with soft towels, hay, or shredded paper. These materials help mimic a natural nest and keep the babies cozy.
Avoid blankets with loose threads or synthetic fabrics that could trap their legs or claws. The bedding should stay dry and clean; change it daily or whenever it gets damp.
A clean surface keeps them comfortable and lowers the risk of skin irritation or infection.
4. Create a Safe Enclosure
Use a small box, bin, or pet carrier with good airflow to keep them secure. It should be deep enough to prevent them from crawling out, but not so tall that it traps heat.
Cover the top loosely with a towel to block light and make the space feel more like a nest.
Check for any holes or sharp edges that could cause injury.
It’s just as important to keep pets like cats and dogs away from their space as baby bunnies need a calm and secure area to grow safely.
How to Feed Newborn and Young Bunnies?
Feeding baby bunnies takes patience and care. Newborns need special kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat’s milk, never cow’s milk. I warm the milk slightly before feeding and use a small syringe or dropper to control the flow.
For very young bunnies, feeding twice a day is usually enough, while older ones may eat three times as they grow.
Always feed them upright, not on their backs, to prevent choking. After each feeding, I gently wipe their mouths and clean the tools with warm water and mild soap.
Overfeeding can cause bloating or stomach issues, so I give small amounts at a time and watch for full bellies.
As they grow, you can slowly introduce soft hay and pellets. Keeping feeding times regular and everything clean helps baby bunnies stay healthy and strong.
When to Switch to Solid Food?
Baby bunnies usually start trying solid food around three weeks old, while still nursing or drinking milk. I notice they begin to nibble on soft hay, which helps their digestion and keeps their teeth healthy.
At this stage, you can slowly introduce alfalfa hay, timothy hay, and plain rabbit pellets in small amounts.
By six to eight weeks, they can rely mostly on solid food, but it’s best to make the change gradual. Avoid giving them fruits or veggies too early, as their stomachs are still sensitive.
Once they’re older and eating hay and pellets well, you can add tiny portions of leafy greens like romaine or parsley.
The key is to move slowly, watch their poop for any changes, and make sure they stay hydrated and active throughout the switch.
Common Health Problems to Watch For
Baby bunnies can get sick quickly, so spotting early signs is very important. Gentle handling and daily checks help you notice problems before they get serious.
- Bloating: A swollen belly after feeding can mean overfeeding or gas. Gently massage their tummy and adjust feeding amounts.
- Dehydration: Dry mouth or skin that doesn’t bounce back when pinched lightly are warning signs. Offer fluids or contact a vet.
- Lethargy: If they seem weak, quiet, or stop moving around, it could mean low energy or illness. Keep them warm and seek help fast.
- Diarrhea: Watery or loose poop can signal stomach trouble or infection. Keep their area clean and watch for dehydration.
- Cold body temperature: Feeling cool to the touch means they need more warmth right away. Check the heating setup and adjust as needed.
- Loss of appetite: Refusing milk or food often points to an upset stomach or sickness. Try feeding smaller amounts and monitor closely.
When to Call a Vet or Wildlife Expert?
You should contact a vet or wildlife expert right away if the baby bunnies are injured, bleeding, cold, or not moving much.
I also reach out for help if they have diarrhea, bloating, or trouble breathing, as these can turn serious fast.
If the nest has been untouched for more than a day and the babies look weak or thin, it’s likely the mother hasn’t returned, and they’ll need expert care.
Always look for a rabbit-savvy vet or licensed wildlife rehabilitator since rabbit care is different from other animals.
You can find them by checking local animal shelters, vet directories, or wildlife rescue websites. Getting professional advice early gives baby bunnies the best chance to recover and grow safely.
Conclusion
Caring for baby bunnies takes kindness, patience, and the right knowledge. These little animals depend on you for warmth, safety, and proper feeding.
Every small action, keeping their space clean, feeding them on time, or handling them gently, helps them stay healthy.
It’s normal to feel unsure at times, especially if you’ve never cared for them before. When that happens, don’t guess; reach out to a vet or wildlife expert who understands rabbit care.
Getting guidance early can prevent problems and give the bunnies the best chance to grow strong.
With a calm approach and steady care, you can help these fragile animals survive and thrive in their early days.
