When and how to wean baby rabbits?

Solution: Plan to wean kits when they are between 5 and 8 weeks old. Explanation: By 5 weeks, kits are typically eating solid food well (pellets and hay) alongside nursing. Leaving them until 6-8 weeks allows their digestive systems to mature further, often resulting in hardier weanlings. Earlier…

Solution: Ensure kits have access to the doe's pellets and hay from about 3 weeks of age. Explanation: Kits will naturally start nibbling on solid food as they grow. Providing easy access ('creep feeding') helps their digestive systems adapt gradually before milk is removed entirely. Notes: Use…

Solution: Wean by removing the doe from the litter's cage, leaving the kits in the familiar environment. Explanation: This method is often considered less stressful for the kits, as they remain in their known surroundings while only the mother is removed. Notes: Requires having a separate cage…

Solution: Wean by removing the kits from the doe's cage and placing them into a new grow-out cage. Explanation: This allows the doe to remain in her familiar cage, which can be beneficial if she is being rebred immediately or needs recovery time. Kits are moved together to their next stage housing.…

Solution: Observe weaned kits carefully for the first week or two after separation. Explanation: Weaning is a stressful period. Monitor for signs of digestive upset (diarrhea), dehydration, or failure to thrive. Ensure they are eating and drinking well. Notes: Providing hay and possibly a probiotic…

Solution: Ensure weaned kits have constant access to a high-quality grower pellet (typically 16-18% protein) and hay. Explanation: Their nutritional needs are high for rapid growth. Avoid sudden changes in the type or brand of feed if possible. Notes: Do not restrict feed for young, growing rabbits.