Generally, baby rabbits are weaned around six to eight weeks of age and they are lactose intolerant. The good news is that milk bones are only a small part of their diet. They are also herbivorous and require a diet high in fibre.
Baby rabbits wean at around 6-8 weeks old
Baby rabbits typically drink their mother’s milk until they are about six to eight weeks old. Then, they begin to nibble on solid foods. During these early months, they will begin to eat the same foods as their mother. After a couple of weeks, baby rabbits can be introduced to pellets and fruits.
They are herbivorous grazers
Like most herbivores, bunnies feed on grass and plant matter. They have a unique digestive system. While humans digest food by consuming it, non-ruminants digest it through their small intestines. Their digestive system is not equipped to break down meat and other animal protein, which makes them a specialized herbivore.
They need a high fibre diet
Dietary fibre plays an important role in the diet of rabbits. Indigestible fibre cannot be broken down by digestive enzymes and passes undigested through the colon and small intestine. Fermentable fibre is digested by bacteria in the caecum. The chemical composition and size of fibre affect its digestibility.
They are lactose intolerant
Like most mammals, rabbits are lactose intolerant as they get older. Their lactase enzyme isn’t produced in adulthood. Consequently, if a rabbit tries to drink cow’s milk, he may suffer from lactose intolerance symptoms. Though rabbits can’t vomit, they become lethargic and depressed if they drink milk.
They should be fed hay
If you want your bunnies to grow up to be good milk bone eaters, you need to introduce them to hay. Hay has a variety of nutrients your rabbits need, so it is good for them to consume it. Choose a high-quality hay, like Timothy hay or Alfalfa. You can also add green leaves to the mix. However, you need to introduce them to this food gradually, and only in small amounts.
They should not be fed fruit or vegetables
There are some materials that shouldn’t be fed to rabbits. These include soft rubber, metal toys, and fruit. Avocados are toxic and can obstruct the rabbit’s GI tract. Cauliflower is also bad for rabbits, as it can cause gas and discomfort. Corn hulls should also be avoided, as they can lodge in the rabbit’s GI tract. And finally, don’t feed your rabbit apples, which have high amounts of arsenic.
They should not be fed dog or cat food
Dog food and cat food are not suitable for bunnies, as their digestive systems are different. While the canine teeth of dogs are specialized for tearing meat, rabbits are herbivores and their teeth are more adapted for chewing plants. A rabbit’s diet should be rich in grasses, hay, and other fibrous foods. If it does not get enough grass and hay, it may develop serious dental problems.