Should Lactobacillus be added to the cottontail formula?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not recommended
• D. Only for adults

Answer: (A)

Establishing a healthy gut microbiome is essential when hand-rearing a cottontail. Lactobacillus acts as a probiotic that introduces beneficial bacteria into the digestive tract, helping break down nutrients from the formula, support gut motility, and outcompete potentially harmful microbes. In newborn or rapidly growing rabbits, the gut flora isn’t fully developed, and stress, shifts in diet, or illness can lead to dysbiosis and diarrhea. Adding a probiotic like Lactobacillus to the cottontail formula helps seed and stabilize the gut microbiome early on, supporting digestion, absorption, and overall growth. Use a product formulated for rabbits or small herbivores and follow the manufacturer’s dosage. Avoid human foods or probiotics not intended for rabbits, as they may be ineffective or unsafe.