[LisaB]

What do baby bunnies eat? I've heard mixed advice and don't know what to do.

DH found 9 baby rabbits in the garden at his firehouse. They are small, maybe 5-6 inches long, not sure how old they are. They look like miniature rabbits though, not like bald babies with floppy skin. They were hopping around outdoors without their mother.

We've offered them pellets, hay, fresh grass, carrots, apples. One eats the hay, none eat the pellets, they all eat the grass, carrots, and apples. I haven't seen any of them drink water. I put a bottle in the cage, and when they didn't drink that (that I saw anyway), I put in a very small/low dish of water, but they haven't touched it that I have seen.

Someone told us we shouldn't give them lettuce at this age. On the internet, I read that bunnies shouldn't eat too much fresh greens. I called a feed store, who said they can eat anything except iceburg lettuce, and if they're not eating pellets it's ok.

Does anyone know what the truth is? So far they aren't eating hay or pellets, only fresh foods, and I don't know if that's ok. They love fresh grass the best, so we've been giving them lots (or I should say, my girls have been giving them lots!)

Also, DH wants to keep them outside, but they are so little, and it's been in the high 20s at night, so I kept them inside last night. They are in a hutch, with lots of alfalfa hay, and inside the hutch is a cardboard box with a very small door cut in one side, and lots of hay inside the box also. I set the box on loose hay to increase insulation, and covered the entire hutch with a blanket last night (but then changed my mind and took the bunnies inside anyway). Do you think this is ok? Eventually they will be outdoor bunnies, I know I know, the SPCA would not approve, but I promise they will be well-housed and cared for, and allowed a big pen in which to hop around. We live in CA, with a mild coastal climate, typically mid 30s at night and in the 60s days (in winter).

ETA picture: These are the three we're keeping! My 3-yr-old is holding them, if that gives you any idea of how little they are.

[Mommie2One]

I would recommend you contacting a rabbit rescue, doesn't need to be in your area if you are simply requesting advice, but it may be helpful to have them in your area. If you wanted they could also find homes for them, but if not I am sure they would still be willing to help you with information on how to properly care for them.

You could also contact a local vet or 4H club as both would probably have information as well or could at least help with information. And the Humane Society/SPCA in your area would probably have information also as they receive all types of animals and at all different ages.

Best of luck!

[Mom2Brendan]

Those bunnies are so adorable