Kitten Replacement Formula

[Happi Bun]

Someone mentioned to me that I should be giving Nikki Kitten Replacement Formula on the side since she's only 5-6 weeks old. Is this a good idea? :dunnoShe is eating her pellets, hay, and drinking good. But I worry she needs something extra tokeep her strength up.

Thanks! :wave:

 

[Maureen Las]

I'm going to move this to the Rabbitry because there is more experience with very young rabbits there...you wouldn't use kitten replacement anyway

 

[Pipp]

The reason for keeping them with their mothers is so mom can pass on antibodies along with nutrition and stabilize their systems through the delicate weaning process.

Unfortunately kitten replacement formula won't do that. It will more likely cause an imbalance in the system, so it should definitely be avoided.

Hopefully some experienced breeders can offer other suggestions, but if she's appearing to thrive right now, it may just be best to tough it out and hope for the best in the future.

Can you repost the pics of her in this thread?


sas :?

 

[clevername]

Honestly, at 5-6 weeks old I think she'll do fine with out KMR. Mom's milk is ideal but around this time she'd be weaning anyway.

If she's eating well and pooping good I wouldn't worry. Mix some Quaker Oats in with the pellets if you get worried. They also sell feed supplements like Calf Manna to aid in growing kits but I only use it on my Silver Foxes who need to put on weight for showing.

 

[naturestee]

Nope! She is already weaned, no going back. Adding milk now could very well upset her stomach. My vet is even wanting me to cut off milk on my 3.5-4 week old orphan bun as it may be a cause for diarrhea. See, their guts change in pH and the bacteria that are in them when they wean, and they also loose the ability to digest milk. Lactose intolerance.

I'd stick with just plain alfalfa pellets and both grass and alfalfa hay. Nothing else. I know some breeders like them but I wouldn't feed oats or any treats or veggies either. Not only are all rabbits' stomachs sensitive at this age but a baby that is taken from it's mom early is more likely to have a sensitive stomach.

Hope that helps!

 

[Happi Bun]

Thanks- I will definitely not use the kitten formula then.

Here are a twopics of my little Nikki...

 

[clevername]

aww!! so cute!

 

[Starlight Rabbitry]

If she is eating and drinking and is gaining weight, there is no reason to give her any supplements.

I would not change her diet till she is 6 months old. No treats either unless it is something that is dry meaning a couple pieces of cheerios or something. Really, she sounds like she is doing great.

Sharon

 

[Happi Bun]

Awesome! Thanks for the help. :bow