You’ve just brought home a tiny fluffball, all soft and sweet, and you want the best for them. Maybe you’re asking and googling:
“Can I give milk?”
“Should I start solids? What hay is best?”
“What if my baby bunny stops eating?”
You’re not alone. Most new rabbit parents feel confused or anxious about the correct Baby Bunny Food. It’s tough—they grow fast, their tummies are sensitive, and feeding mistakes can hurt them.
But don’t worry. Think of this as a friendly guide—a warm hand to help you feed your baby bunny right and watch them grow strong and happy.
Why the Right Baby Bunny Food Matters So Much
Just like human babies, baby bunnies have very specific needs when it comes to Baby Bunny Food. Their little tummies are still developing, and giving them the wrong things can cause serious problems, like tummy upsets or even life-threatening conditions. Think of it like building a strong foundation for a house – the right food is the foundation for a healthy, happy bunny life!
Baby Bunny Food Chart (Easy to Follow)
Here’s a clear breakdown of what to feed based on your bunny’s age:
0–3 Weeks: Mother’s Milk or Formula Only
- If with mom: She feeds them twice a day—usually early morning and night
- If orphaned: Use a rabbit-safe milk replacer (like KMR or goat milk—never cow milk).
- Example doses: 5–7 mL per feeding for 1-2-week-olds, twice daily
- Don’t overfeed—too much can cause tummy pain.
- Gently stimulate elimination after feeding using warm cotton, mimicking mom’s care.
- My advice is that if you have found an orphaned bunny this young, the best thing is to contact a local rabbit rescue or wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the specialized knowledge and supplies to care for such tiny babies.
Do NOT try to feed them yourself unless you have been specifically instructed by a professional.
- Example doses: 5–7 mL per feeding for 1-2-week-olds, twice daily
3–6 Weeks: Milk + First Solids
- Eyes open around 10 days; by 2–3 weeks, they’ll try nibbling hay and pellets.
- Offer small amounts of alfalfa hay, pellets, and water in a shallow dish.
- Continue formula feeds but gradually introduce solids.
6–8 Weeks: Weaning to Pellets & Hay
- Babies are usually fully weaned by 6–8 weeks.
- Feed unlimited alfalfa hay, baby rabbit pellets, and fresh water.
- Offer hay and pellets freely—pellets are tasty but should be limited.
8 Weeks–3 Months: Add Veggies Slowly
- Start introducing leafy greens after 8 weeks, or around 12 weeks for safety.
- Introduce one veggie at a time and watch for digestion issues.
- Give only tiny amounts of fruit occasionally.
- By 3 months, combine alfalfa hay with grass hay (like timothy).
3–6 Months: Transition to Adult Diet
- Gradually reduce alfalfa hay and increase grass hay.
- Reduce pellets to about ¼ cup per 6 lb body weight daily.
- Increase vegetables up to 1 cup per 4–6 lb body weight.
- Continue unlimited grass hay, measured pellets, and varied greens.
6 Months & Older: Young Adult Diet
- Switch fully to timothy or meadow hay, reduce alfalfa entirely.
- Give ¼–½ cup pellets per 6 lb weight daily.
- Veggies: about 1 cup per 4 lb each day.
- Fruit treats only once a week in small pieces.
Quick Summary Table
| Age | Milk | Hay | Pellets | Veggies/Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 weeks | Yes | — | — | — |
| 3–6 weeks | Yes+ | Alfalfa hay | Start baby pellets | — |
| 6–8 weeks | No | Alfalfa hay | Baby pellets | Small greens weekly |
| 3–6 months | No | Alfalfa + grass | ¼ c per 6 lb | 1 c greens per 4 lb |
| 6+ months | No | Grass hay | ¼–½ c per 6 lb | 1 c greens per 4 lb |
What NOT to Feed Baby Bunnies
Please avoid these – even if they seem like rabbit food:
- Cow milk (bunnies can’t digest it)
- Carrots daily (too much sugar)
- Bread, biscuits, or chapati
- Iceberg lettuce (it has no nutrients)
- Fruits (too much sugar for babies)
I Was Confused Too…
When I got my first baby bunny, I almost fed it a banana slice on day one. I thought I was treating it! But my vet told me that it could cause gas or diarrhea in young bunnies.
It’s okay to feel unsure — you care, and that’s what matters. Feeding baby bunnies is all about going slow, watching carefully, and learning as you go.
FAQs
Q1: Can I feed my baby bunny goat milk or cow milk?
Goat milk or KMR is okay for orphans, but never cow’s milk—it causes diarrhea.
Q2: What formula and how much do I give a newborn?
About 5–7 mL per feeding, twice daily, for tiny bunnies. Increase gradually as they grow.
Q3: When should I start hay?
They start nibbling hay around 2–3 weeks, and should have hay available by 6 weeks .
Q4: Do baby bunnies need pellets?
Yes! Use plain, high-fiber alfalfa pellets until 3–6 months, then switch to adult pellets .
Q5: When can they have greens and fruit?
Greens: small amounts from 8–12 weeks;
Fruit: tiny bits once a week, as treats .
Q6: What if my baby bunny stops eating?
It’s serious. Check for illness or tummy issues and visit a rabbit-savvy vet immediately.
Q7: Can I give human baby food or yogurt?
No. These foods aren’t safe—use hay, pellets, fresh water, and herbal greens only.
Q8: How do I know if food is right?
Check their poop—healthy is firm round pellets. Soft, small, or no poop = need vet advice reddit.com.
Q9: How often should baby bunnies eat?
They should have unlimited hay, measured pellets, and if nursing, feed every 2–3 hours for orphans (with vet advice).
Q10: Can I feed human baby food to a rabbit?
No. Human baby food often has sugar, salt, or preservatives. Stick to hay, milk (only if orphaned), and pellets.
You’ve Got the Baby Bunny Food Basics!
Feeding baby bunnies may seem tricky—but now you have a simple, step-by-step Baby Bunny Food chart, real experience, and answers to real questions—no more confusion!
Make sure to:
- Go slow with new foods
- Keep a close eye on their health
- Reach out to rabbit-savvy vets when you’re unsure
You’re doing great. Your baby bunny couldn’t ask for a more caring parent.
Quick Actions for Bunny Beginners:
- 📥 Download my FREE Bunny Care Checklist [Coming soon!]
- 📖 Read 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Getting My First Bunny – Rabitz
- 📸 Follow me on Instagram @rabitz.in for bunny memes, tips, and real stories
