Rabbits from birth until weaning are commonly referred to as "puppies" or "kittens." This is a critical transitional stage, where they move from complete dependence on their mother to gradually becoming independent. Newborn rabbits are born hairless, with underdeveloped physiological functions, poor thermoregulation, and low immunity. Their growth is extremely rapid, making proper care during this period essential for survival and healthy development.
First and foremost, it's crucial that puppies consume as much colostrum as possible. Colostrum, the first milk produced by the mother rabbit within the first 1–3 days after birth, is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antibodies. It not only provides vital nutrients but also helps eliminate meconium, the first feces of the newborn. Drinking colostrum early—ideally within the first 6 hours—is a key step in boosting their immunity and survival rate. Since their metabolism is very active, they can easily digest and absorb breast milk, so ensuring they feed well and frequently is important.
Secondly, maintaining a warm environment is essential. Newborn rabbits have no fur and are highly sensitive to cold. The ideal temperature for them is between 30–32°C. To keep them warm, the nest should be made of insulating materials. Start by placing a layer of foam plastic at the bottom, then add dry, soft straw or wheat stalks for insulation. A layer of warm rabbit fur should be added on top, adjusting the amount based on external temperatures.
Keeping the nest clean is another vital aspect. As puppies start eating solid food, their waste increases, so the bedding must be changed regularly to maintain hygiene. Daily cleaning and disinfection help prevent disease. Additionally, it’s important to train the mother rabbit not to defecate in the nesting area, as this can lead to infections.
Regular health checks are also necessary. Inspecting the puppies daily allows you to monitor their development. Healthy puppies will have pink skin, a full belly, and good sleep patterns. On the other hand, those that appear pale, with sunken bellies or weak cries may be unwell. If any dead rabbits are found, they should be removed immediately to prevent disease spread.
Weaning should be done at the right time. Weaning too early can harm their underdeveloped digestive system, while delaying it too long may affect their ability to eat solid food later. The optimal weaning age is usually between 30 to 40 days, depending on the litter’s overall strength.
Lastly, disease prevention is key. Puppies often eat the mother’s feces, which can carry harmful bacteria and parasites, leading to coccidiosis or digestive issues. During the nursing and weaning periods, adding chlorsulphonamide or olaquindox to their feed can help prevent infections. If yellow urine occurs, chloramphenicol eye drops or gentamicin injections may be needed. After weaning, a 1 ml dose of rabbit lice vaccine should be administered via subcutaneous or intramuscular injection.
Proper care during this early stage ensures strong, healthy rabbits ready for the next phase of life.
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