Baby bunnies' diet changes as they grow, starting with milk and gradually moving to solid foods:
- Newborn to about 3 weeks old: Baby rabbits feed solely on their mother's milk. If orphaned, a suitable milk replacer like Kitten Milk Replacer (KMR) or goat milk (not low-fat) can be used
- From 2 to 3 weeks old: They begin nibbling on solid foods like hay around the nest. At this stage, you can introduce alfalfa hay, which is rich in calcium and protein, essential for their growth
- 3 to 7 weeks old: Baby bunnies should have access to alfalfa hay and alfalfa-based pellets. They start weaning themselves off milk by about 8 weeks
- Up to 6-8 months: Young rabbits can continue eating alfalfa hay and pellets. Gradually, alfalfa hay is replaced with adult hays like Timothy or meadow hay, which have lower calcium and protein to prevent health issues in adulthood
- Additional notes: Fresh green leaves can be introduced slowly after weaning, starting with small amounts to avoid digestive upset. Examples include basil, dandelion greens, kale, and parsley
- Water: Fresh, clean drinking water should be available at all times as the bunny starts eating drier foods
In summary, baby bunnies start with mother's milk, then transition to alfalfa hay and pellets, and finally switch to adult hay and greens as they mature