anna_boo36
New Member
we found 2 baby bunnies and i wanted to know how to take care of them we arent giving them up.....what do they eat,need,ect..
Baby Bunnies
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polly
Well-Known Member
do you have any idea what age they are? also where did you find them are they domestic or cotton tails?
tonyshuman
Well-Known Member
Hi, If they are cottontails (wild rabbits), the best thing to do is to get them to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. In most parts of the US, it is actually illegal to keep or care for wild animals without a permit. This Library article has links to help you find a rehabber in your area: http://www.rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=15487&forum_id=17
Many baby bunnies appear to be abandoned but really aren't. This is because the mom bunny only nurses them a couple of times a day, in order to keep predators away from the nest. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits don't stay with their young all the time. Also, wild baby bunnies that have their eyes open are usually ok to be on their own, without mom's care. If these guys haven't been injured (by a dog or cat), and the nest isn't destroyed, the best thing for you to do is to put them back where you found them.
Many baby bunnies appear to be abandoned but really aren't. This is because the mom bunny only nurses them a couple of times a day, in order to keep predators away from the nest. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits don't stay with their young all the time. Also, wild baby bunnies that have their eyes open are usually ok to be on their own, without mom's care. If these guys haven't been injured (by a dog or cat), and the nest isn't destroyed, the best thing for you to do is to put them back where you found them.
naturestee
Well-Known Member
I'm guessing they're wild? If they were in a nest, please put them back! Mama rabbits only visit their babies a few times a day so just because you didn't see the mother doesn't mean they aren't cared for. Chances are good that she will still accept them if you just put them back.
Please keep in mind that hand-fed baby rabbits- both wild and domestic- have a very low survival rate. There is no good substitute for rabbit milk (although some wildlife rehabers have some good specially-made stuff) and the risk of aspiration (breathing in the milk) is high.
If they really can't be returned to the nest because it's destroyed, etc., please contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Your vet or local Humane Society might know of one if you can't find any in the Yellow Pages. A professional wildlife rehabilitator can give these babies their best chance of surviving.
Please keep in mind that hand-fed baby rabbits- both wild and domestic- have a very low survival rate. There is no good substitute for rabbit milk (although some wildlife rehabers have some good specially-made stuff) and the risk of aspiration (breathing in the milk) is high.
If they really can't be returned to the nest because it's destroyed, etc., please contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Your vet or local Humane Society might know of one if you can't find any in the Yellow Pages. A professional wildlife rehabilitator can give these babies their best chance of surviving.
