Optimal Weaning Time for Baby Rabbits: The Perfect Age

One: The Weaning Time for Baby Rabbits

Generally, it is most suitable to wean nonbloodline baby rabbits between the ages of 30 to 40 days, while bloodline meat rabbits should be weaned between 28 to 35 days. In cases where intensive breeding methods are used, any baby rabbits born through bloodline breeding must be weaned before the 28th day to prevent it from affecting the mother rabbit's next delivery and the growth and development of the next litter. Typically, small breed rabbits weigh between 500 to 600 grams, and large breed rabbits weigh between 1000 to 1200 grams. Once they reach around 40 days old and are capable of living independently, they can be weaned. For robust baby rabbits, weaning can be done at 35 days, whereas, for weaker ones, the weaning period should be extended appropriately.

Two: Methods of Weaning Baby Rabbits

There are two methods of weaning baby rabbits: the onetime weaning method and the phased weaning method. The best method for weaning depends on the rabbits' constitution. If all the baby rabbits in a litter are uniformly developed and strong, the onetime weaning method can be used. This involves separating the baby rabbits from the mother on a specific day and stopping the mother's feed of concentrated feed 2 to 3 days prior to weaning, providing only green and rough feed to facilitate the weaning process. However, if the growth of the baby rabbits is uneven, the phased weaning method should be employed, which means weaning the stronger ones first and delaying the weaker ones, allowing them to continue breastfeeding for a few more days before weaning.

Three: Management After Weaning Baby Rabbits

1. After weaning, baby rabbits should not be immediately moved to a new pen. It is important to maintain the same feed, environment, and management for the weaned rabbits. Experience has shown that if the weaned rabbits are kept in the original pen for a few days before transferring them to a separate pen, their survival rate is higher. This is because weaned rabbits are prone to stress and various adverse reactions, such as loss of appetite and decreased vitality, if they encounter a sudden change in environment, which can be harmful. Keeping them in the original pen for a few days after weaning can enhance their adaptability to the new environment and reduce stress and mortality.

2. The owner should tag the weaned rabbits and separate the males from the females, ensuring that there are at least two rabbits per litter to prevent them from feeling lonely.

3. On the first day after weaning, the owner should not feed the rabbits to allow them to clean out their digestive systems and avoid feed stress. On the second day, they can be given a small amount of feed, gradually increasing the quantity and frequency over time.

4. Baby rabbits should not be vaccinated immediately after weaning. They should be allowed to adapt to the new environment before vaccination to avoid vaccine stress or potential death.

Dr. Oxygen Pet offers insights into the weaning time and methods for baby rabbits, hoping this information is helpful. For more petrelated knowledge, follow Dr. Oxygen Pet or leave a message.