Why a Mother Rabbit Refuses to Nurse Her Kits and What to Do When a Doe Has No Milk

It's concerning when a mother rabbit doesn't nurse her kits. This can happen for a few reasons, particularly if it's her first litter. She may not understand the process. In such cases, you can gently restrain the mother rabbit to encourage nursing. If the doe has no milk, you can use a milk replacer, like goat's milk formula. And if milk production is low, there are ways to help stimulate lactation.

Rabbits, by nature, are prey animals and have retained certain survival instincts even when domesticated. In the wild, nursing sessions are brief, often only once a day in the early morning, due to the constant threat of predators. This means your pet rabbit might not immediately start nursing after giving birth.

Effective Methods for Feeding Baby Rabbits

1. If the mother rabbit isn't feeding her babies, you can try gently placing her on her back or side, allowing the kits to nurse. It's important to be patient and work with the mother's comfort level, as rabbits can be easily startled. Stress can cause a decrease in milk production, so proceed cautiously.

2. When a doe doesn’t nurse or doesn't produce enough milk, artificial feeding becomes necessary. Goat's milk formula is a good substitute. Use a syringe with a soft tube to feed the kits, ensuring a slow, steady flow of milk.

3. You can also stimulate milk production by gently massaging the doe's nipples. This can encourage milk letdown and help her adjust to the sensation of nursing. If a rabbit is reluctant to nurse due to low milk supply, this method can effectively address the issue. Encouraging milk production can often resolve a mother rabbit's refusal to feed her young.Follow us for updates:Pet Training