--- In AMRIS_rodents_and_rabbits@..., "Angie"
<angiecare@h...> wrote:
> ...but there are things you can do to help this li'l one.
Hi again Deb,
Keep this bub on the same food (pellets or mix)that he's used to for
the moment, you can gradually swap to a healthy diet.
But for any rabbit and especially bubs, a low carbohydrate and low
sugar diet is imperative.
So definately nothing like rolled oats or bread, and no fruit, no
carrot etc.
These break down to sugars which would feed harmful bacteria in the
gut.
These harmful bacteria then release toxins which are fatal.

So if this bunny is having any high carbohydrate or high sugar
foods, get rid of them immediately.
First sign of loose stools is an emergancy.

Offer water, hay at all times, pellets, and greens.

Examples of safe greens:
Grass,
Dark green leafy lettuce (lettuce mix)
Bok Choy and other Asian greens
Rocket
Carrot ~ tops only (green part)
Cellery tops (leaves), and stalks (cut the cellery into pieces as
the stringy bits can cause problems in the gut)
Parsley Dill Oregano Basil mint
(and many other herbs)

Keep him inside, warm, and the lowest amount if stress possible.
ie: minimal handleing (perhaps just by one person at this stage),
low noise, draft free environment, an environment that he feels safe
in, such as the corner of a room where there is not too much
activity (doors slaming, loud kids/adults), try not to startle this
li'l one as that could set of a stress/panic attack.
Make sure there is somewhere for him to hide, or partially cover the
cage.
He'll gradually get used to the noises smell etc. of your home.
The main thing is to make sure he's eating, drinking, pooping and
peeing.

What are his poops like?

~~~~~

The below couple of paragraphs have been taken from an article about
hand rearing rabbits:

Signs of Trouble:
You need to be very aware of signs of illness as rabbits who are ill
hide these signs very well, and the sooner you realise the kit is
unwell, the sooner treatment can begin (get the kit to a vet) and
the better the chance of survival.
A kit that is not as active as usual, or has some "runny poops",
needs treatment immediately, the longer you wait, the less likely
the kit will survive.

Weaning:
The kit (when it starts to venture out of the nest box (by this time
he needs to be housed in a much larger cage) should have access to
hay, pellets, water, greens.
It will begin to eat and drink in the same way it would if still
with the doe (it would have had access to the doe's food).

> I'll post some links which will hopefully help.

Links about baby rabbits:
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html#baby

Mucoid Enteropathy (a disease common in young rabbits)links:
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#mucoid

General care:
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html#gencare

Emergancies and first aid:
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabrefs.html#emerg

Sorry this is rushed, I need to get to bed, I have a heap more
info.if you need it or have specific questions.

Good Luck, and enjoy your new bundle of joy! ;)
Angie.