Baby rabbits, known as kits, have a nursing routine highly unusual compared to most other mammals. A mother rabbit, or doe, does not constantly attend to her young, which often leads people to mistakenly believe the kits have been abandoned. This unique behavior is an evolutionary strategy that minimizes the mother’s presence near the nest, avoiding predators. Understanding this brief feeding pattern is essential for proper care.
The Unique Nursing Schedule and Duration
Nursing time is remarkably short each day. Does typically feed their kits only once or twice within a 24-hour period, usually during the quietest times, such as pre-dawn or late dusk. The entire feeding session is extremely fast, often lasting no more than three to five minutes.
This infrequent, rapid feeding is possible because rabbit milk is exceptionally rich and calorically dense, high in both fat (up to 15.2%) and protein (14.0%). This concentrated nutrition allows the kits to consume enough calories in minutes to sustain them for the next full day, facilitating a fast growth rate where they multiply their birth weight by six times within the first three weeks.
Kits are fully dependent on milk for the first 18 to 19 days. Dedicated nursing typically lasts for about three to four weeks, which is when the kits emerge from the nest fully furred and with their eyes open. Milk production peaks around day 17 postpartum, though the composition changes slightly as the kits mature.
The Weaning Process and Solid Food Introduction
The transition to a solid diet begins naturally while the kits are still nursing. Around two to three weeks of age, as they venture outside the nest, kits begin nibbling on the mother’s food, including hay and small amounts of pellets. Their gut is not yet mature enough to rely on these foods. Alfalfa hay, rich in protein and calcium, should be made available around week three to support rapid bone growth. Pellets formulated for young rabbits can also be introduced, along with fresh water in a shallow dish. Introducing these solid foods helps the kits’ digestive system develop the necessary bacteria to process fiber.
Complete weaning typically occurs between six and eight weeks of age. The period between four and six weeks is sensitive, as the kits’ digestive systems are making a significant microbial shift, making them susceptible to digestive issues. Therefore, green vegetables or other treats should be avoided until the rabbit is older, often six months, to prevent gut disturbances.
Differences in Nursing Needs: Domestic vs. Wild Kits
The infrequent nursing behavior has different implications for domestic and wild kits. For domestic rabbits, the mother’s apparent indifference is normal; owners should not assume neglect if they never witness the feeding. The best way to monitor a domestic litter is by gently checking the kits once daily, ideally in the morning, to ensure they are warm and have full, rounded bellies. A full kit looks plump and smooth, while an unfed kit appears wrinkled, cold, and has a sunken abdomen.
For wild rabbit kits, the mother’s absence is a deliberate tactic to protect the nest from detection. Finding a nest of wild kits should not prompt intervention, as the mother will return during the early morning or evening hours. Intervention is only necessary if the kits are visibly injured, crying loudly, cold, or appear dehydrated (check by gently pinching the skin on the back of the neck). If intervention is required, immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, as hand-raising wild rabbits carries a very low survival rate.