AMRIS_rodents_and_rabbits@..., "deborah_richards2003"
<deborah_richards2003@y...> wrote:
> However, my concern is that being only 4 weeks, was he taken away
from mum too soon? >
Hi Deb,
This is becoming so common, and is an issue that makes my blood boil.
People do this because the young ones are easy to sell.
Rabbits should be with their mum for 7 weeks at least, 8 weeks is
better, and some breeds such as Angoras need longer with the Doe
(the Mum).
> He seems happy, and healthy, >
He may seem this way and hopefully he is, and will remain this way.
But his gut is going through a huge change at the momment, he should
still be having Mum's milk, while weaning onto solids.
Having said that,
please DO NOT try to supplement with a milk formula, this would make
things worse.
(I can explain why if you need/want more info.)

The pH is changing and the gut is going from a sterile environment
to being inhabited with the bacteria he'll need to deal with an
adult diet.
Placing a 4 week old under the stress of being moved from Mum,
seperated from siblings, put in the nursery/shop, then adjusting to
a new home is far to much stress for a young rabbit.
Stress alone can be fatal.
Put on top of this all the changes both physically and emotionally
this soul is going through, he's under a huge amount of stress.

Many young rabbits succumb to disease related to this change over
period from milk to solids (often a fatal diarroea)
...but there are things you can do to help this li'l one.

I'll post some links which will hopefully help.

But I also have a few questions for you:
~ what is he eating, in as much detail as you can?
I recommend you don't change diet yet.

~ where is he living? ie: inside/outside, what sort of cage?

> I do plan to put him in with my guinea pig, >
Housing rabbits and G.Pigs together is not recomended.
Rabbits can kill a Guinea Pig (even if accidental), plus they have
different diet requirements.

When this one grows up and is de-sexed, I highly reccommend adopting
a rabbit from a shelter (rather than encouraging the breeding and
selling of infant animals...by buying them).
Rabbits are very social animals and really do need a bunny mate
(both need to be de-sexed).
But worry about that later.
First you need to keep this baby alive, healthy, growing, and to get
him through this difficult and stressful stage.

> But in the meantime, should I do anything special, diet or care
wise to ensure this little baby is raised a happy, healthy little
rabbit? >
Yes..there is a lot you can do to help this little one :)
And you're probably doing the right things already anyway.
I'll post back with some links soon plus more specific information.

I'm hoping you are still online tonight, and will get this message,
as I was wondering if you've had rabbits as pets before (so I don't
repeat stuff you may already know).

> I have owned rabbits before, but never a baby bunny of this age. >
Ok...I just read this, how long since you've had buns?

I'll get back soon with some good links, and look forward to hearing
from you.
Angie.