How to Successfully Wean a Baby Rabbit: A Guide

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I. Principles and Practices of Weaning Young Rabbits

The primary goal of weaning young rabbits is to ensure that the mother rabbit has ample time to rejuvenate and restore her health, preparing for future litters. Simultaneously, it's crucial to acclimate the kits to their surroundings, fostering their healthy growth and development.

General Guidelines for Weaning:

For breeds such as breeding rabbits, Angora rabbits, and Fuzzy rabbits, it's advisable to wean them between 30 to 40 days of age. For commercial meat rabbits, the weaning period is typically around 28 to 35 days.

Special Considerations:

If employing a dense breeding schedule or blood breeding, kits should be weaned before 28 days to avoid negatively impacting the mother's subsequent delivery and the kits' growth. Without blood breeding, kits can be weaned around 42 days.

Weaning Criteria:

Small breeds can generally be weaned around 40 days old, weighing between 500 to 600 grams, as they are capable of independent living. Larger breeds, weighing between 1000 to 1200 grams, may be ready for weaning. Larger kits tend to have an easier time after weaning and higher survival rates. Moreover, if the kits are uniformly healthy and robust, weaning can be considered around 35 days. Conversely, if the kits are underweight or poorly developed, it's best to extend the weaning period.

II. Methods of Weaning Young Rabbits

There are two primary methods of weaning: the onetime weaning and the phased weaning. The choice depends on the overall health and strength of the litter. If all kits are growing uniformly and are robust, onetime weaning is suitable. This involves separating the mother and kits on the same day. For the mother, stop feeding her concentrate within 2 to 3 days postweaning, switching to forage to halt milk production.

For unevenly developed litters, phased weaning is preferable. This method involves weaning the healthier kits first, allowing the smaller, weaker ones to continue nursing for a few more days to build up their strength before weaning. This approach is beneficial for the weaker kits' development and overall survival rates.

Preparation for Weaning:

Two to three days before weaning, reduce the mother's concentrate and juicy feed intake and increase the amount of highquality hay. This helps decrease milk production and prevents mastitis. Additionally, start supplementing the kits with solid food around 18 days old to acclimate them to eating. Continue feeding them the same diet postweaning, gradually transitioning to finishing feed after a few days.

III. Important Considerations for Weaning Young Rabbits

Avoid moving the weaned kits immediately from their original pen. It's essential to maintain consistency in their diet, environment, and management for the first 3 to 5 days postweaning. Keeping them in the original pen helps them adjust to the new environment and reduces stress. Immediate transfer to a new, unfamiliar environment can lead to anxiety, decreased appetite, and lower survival rates.

Conclusion:

We hope this guide on weaning young rabbits provides valuable insights and support for rabbit breeders and owners. Happy weaning!