Have you ever wondered what baby rabbits are called? These tiny, delicate creatures are often called “bunnies,” but their correct name is “kits” or “kittens.” Are rabbits have fascinated people with their gentle nature and quick growth throughout history. Their journey is truly remarkable, from wild cottontails hiding in grassy nests to domesticated kits raised with care. But what do they eat? How do they grow? And how can you help if you find an abandoned kit? Keep reading to discover everything about baby rabbits!
What Are Baby Rabbits Called?
They are called kits or kittens, while their mothers are doing and fathers are bucks. Wild kits, such as cottontails, hide in grassy nests. Their mother comes back only for a short time to nurse them. They grow quickly and leave the nest within three weeks. Domesticated kits, however, receive more frequent care and handling, making them more dependent. If you find a wild baby rabbit, it’s best to leave it alone unless it is injured or truly orphaned.
Baby rabbit is called bunny
A baby rabbit is commonly called a bunny, but its correct name is a kit or kitten. Kits are born blind, hairless, and entirely dependent on their mother. The term “bunny” became popular because it sounds cute and is easy to say, especially for children. While not a scientific term, “bunny” is widely used in everyday language.
Why are baby rabbits called kittens
They are called kits, but they can also be called kittens! The word “kitten” comes from Middle English “kitoun.” It traces back to the Old French words “chiton” or “chiton.” While commonly used for baby cats, it is also used for rabbits to prevent confusion.
Development Stages of a Baby Rabbit
They also called kits, go through different stages as they grow. Their journey from a helpless newborn to an independent young rabbit happens quickly. Here’s what to expect during their development:
Newborn (0–7 days):
At birth, They are blind, deaf, and completely hairless. They rely entirely on their mother for warmth and milk. Their skin is pink, and they are very fragile.
One Week Old (7–14 days):
Around this time, their eyes open, and a thin layer of fur starts covering their bodies. They are still nursing but may begin wiggling around the nest more.
Two Weeks Old (14–21 days):
The kits become more mobile, and their fur thickens. They start exploring their surroundings and displaying early social behaviours. Their ears begin to stand up, and they become more aware of their environment.
Three Weeks to Weaning (21–42 days):
At three weeks, They begin nibbling on solid food like hay and greens, but they still nurse. They hop around confidently and gain independence. They are fully weaned by six weeks and can survive in the wild.
Rabbits grow quickly, and their early life is full of critical changes. If you see a wild baby rabbit, watch it from afar. Don’t interfere unless it is orphaned or hurt.
Males & Female Baby Rabbits?
Males Baby Rabbit
To identify a male baby rabbit, check the genital area for a small, cylindrical opening with a tiny hole. Around 6–8 weeks, a slight “spout” may appear, and by 3.5 months, testicles may be visible. Handle they gently; if unsure, consult a vet or experienced breeder.
Females Baby Rabbit
A female baby rabbit is called a kit, and an adult female is a doe. Rabbits mature quickly, with a doe having up to four litters per season. She nurses her kits at dawn and dusk to protect them from predators. By three weeks old, the kits leave the nest to explore.
What do baby rabbits eat?
They mainly eat alfalfa hay, which is rich in protein and calcium for growth. They eat leafy greens such as romaine, dandelion, kale, and watercress as they grow up. In the wild, they also nibble on fresh grass. Introduce new foods slowly. This helps prevent digestive issues because their stomachs are pretty sensitive.
baby cottontail rabbit
Baby cottontail rabbits can seem abandoned, but their mother is often nearby. She only feeds them at dawn and dusk, so it’s best to leave them alone unless they are visibly injured or cold. If you find a nest, avoid touching it and use small twigs to check if the mother returns. Only reach out to a wildlife rehabilitator if the babies are orphaned. Raising them yourself can be unsafe and is often against the law.
What Not to Feed Baby Rabbits
They have sensitive stomachs, and the wrong food can be deadly. Don’t feed them rhubarb, iceberg lettuce, avocado, dairy, nuts, potatoes, cauliflower, cereal, chocolate, corn, crackers, garlic, meat, or seeds. These foods can cause serious digestive issues, bloating, or even poisoning. If you find a baby rabbit that needs help, contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Don’t try to feed it yourself.
What vegetables can baby rabbits eat?
They can munch on many leafy greens, including kale, spinach, dandelion greens, bok choy, and carrot tops. Herbs such as parsley, basil, and cilantro are also great options. When introducing new vegetables, start with small amounts to avoid digestive issues. Stay away from high-calcium veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. Also, chop food into small pieces to avoid choking.
baby rabbit nest
If you find a baby rabbit nest, the best thing to do is leave it alone. Mother rabbits feed their babies only twice daily, so an empty nest doesn’t mean the babies are abandoned. If the nest is disturbed, gently put the baby back. Then, use small twigs in a tic-tac-toe pattern. This way, you can see if the mother comes back. If the sticks are left alone by morning, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Don’t try to raise them yourself, as it can be dangerous and is often against the law.
what to feed baby rabbits without a mother
If you see They alone, take them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the best chance of survival there. If you need to give immediate care, use kitten milk replacer (KMR) or goat’s milk. Avoid cow’s milk, as it can be harmful. Warm the formula slightly and feed with a small syringe or dropper, being careful not to overfeed. Always keep them warm and handle them as little as possible to reduce stress.
Proper Care for Baby Rabbits
Caring for baby rabbits takes patience. You need proper housing, gentle handling, and close attention to their health.
Housing & Environment:
Keep baby rabbits in a safe, warm, and quiet space indoors. Use a solid-bottom enclosure with soft bedding like hay or shredded paper. Avoid wire flooring and ensure the enclosure is four times the size of the rabbit. Maintain a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C), using a low-setting heating pad for kits under three weeks.
Handling & Socialization:
Avoid handling newborns unless necessary. After two weeks, gently introduce handling by supporting their whole body. Let them approach you, offer treats, and create a positive experience to build trust.
Health & Hygiene:
Look for signs of illness, such as diarrhoea, bloating, or tiredness. If you see any, contact a vet. Keep the enclosure clean and dry. Spot-clean daily and do a weekly deep clean using mild soap. Ensure fresh hay, food, and water are always available.
Baby Rabbit Dental Issues: Quick Guide
Their teeth grow continuously, and without proper care, issues can arise due to genetics, trauma, or a poor diet lacking fibrous foods like hay.
Signs of Dental Issues:
Reduced appetite, drooling, or weight loss
Swollen face, bad breath, or difficulty chewing
Lethargy, tooth grinding, or a hunched posture
Causes:
Poor diet (not enough hay)
Trauma (falls or injuries)
Genetic jaw misalignment
Treatment & Prevention:
Vet care is essential, including antibiotics, tooth trimming, or extraction. To prevent issues, provide unlimited hay, fresh veggies, and regular vet check-ups. A proper diet keeps baby rabbits’ teeth healthy and pain-free.
How to save a baby bunny from dying
If you find a baby bunny in trouble, keeping it warm and safe is the best way to help. Place it in a small box with soft bedding and keep it in a quiet area. Do not try to feed it unless a wildlife expert advises, as the wrong food can be deadly. If the bunny is hurt or weak, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. This gives it the best chance to survive.
Are Babies Rabbit Dangerous?
No, They are not dangerous at all. If you find a nest of tiny, uninjured rabbits, the best thing to do is leave them alone. Their mother is likely nearby and will return to feed them. Many people think baby rabbits are abandoned. However, mother rabbits visit the nest only twice daily—once at dawn and once at dusk.
However, if a baby rabbit is injured, cold, or sick, it needs help. In that case, the right thing to do is contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not try to feed or care for it yourself, as improper handling can be harmful.
How to Know If a Baby Rabbit Needs Help
✔️ Looks sick or injured (bleeding, broken limb, or covered in flies)
✔️ Feels cold to the touch
✔️ Not moving or very weak
Conclusion
Baby rabbits, or kits, grow fast and need proper care. Wild kits aren’t usually abandoned, as their mother feeds them twice daily. They need hay and leafy greens but must avoid harmful foods like dairy and chocolate. If a kit is orphaned or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator instead of trying to care for it yourself. With the proper support and minimal human interference, these tiny creatures have the best chance to thrive.
