Orphaned 2-3 wk old bunnies

[tgm1974]

My sisters rabbit has had 3 babies within the last few weeks. She has not noticed them until this bank holiday weekend .... but from my own experience they are approx 3 weeks old. Full of fur, eyes open and they are going in and out of the nest.

Last night the Mother passed away without warning so my sister is having to hand rear them. We have been given various advice so want to see what you all think :

1. How often would you feed them and how much?
2. Would to stimulate their bellies/bottom area to make them go to the toilet ... we havent seen anything from them yet?
3. When do you stop giving them milk?
4. Can they be put back around their father - Im told the father attacking them is a myth?

Any futher advice would be gladly taken

Thanks

[B00]

Ooooo your post brought back some memories of my mum having to hand rear my rabbits babies when she suddenly died when I was a kid.

I distinctly remember we kept them in the cistern cupboard as it was the warmest place in the house, and she fed them, i think every four hours.

I can't remember much else, so i went Googling for you and found this.

http://britishwildlifehelpline.com/Rearing%20R abbits.html

I also remember that despite them being hand reared- 2 finally survived and they were really bloody vicious as adults! I was terrified of them- lol.

God luck!

[No,Knowledge]

Last night the Mother passed away without warning
______________________________
What is the usual warning you get when a rabbit is about to snuff it?

[madmaggot]

No,Knowledge
Can't you keep your sarcastic responses to the CB posts?

[wildwood]

Please wait until you get more info regarding putting them with the buck. It has been many years since we bred rabbits but I know definitely that they often eat young ones, although usually younger than 3 weeks.

[tgm1974]

Thanks to those for the sarcastic wit (not needed really).

To those with helpful advice many thanks ... Im sure the babies are going to be fine and they seemed to be feeding from the little milk bottle before and nibbling on baby rabbit pellets!

[brenda]

I'm sorry but I don't understand , how can you not notice baby rabbits until they are 3 weeks old ?

Not able to help with the question tho, know absolutely nothing about rabbits.

[tgm1974]

I seriously dont know - Ive already said to her did she not notice anything when she was cleaning them out. She hadnt cleaned the bedroom area for a while as it was clean .....

[tamborine]

The coat has grown and they're hopping about - they can now feed themselves.

Don't confine them with the buck but they could run with him to learn to eat - important they can avoid him if necessary.

[B00]

And on another note, also not wise to put them with the daddy rabbit, until you've sexed them either.

Before you know it they'll be doing what rabbits do best and you'll have dozens of 'em!