Can You Save a Baby Bunny? A Guide to Orphaned Cottontails
Yes, you can save a baby bunny, but success depends on accurate assessment, proper care, and understanding their specific needs. This comprehensive guide, written with insights from wildlife rehabilitation experts, will equip you with the knowledge to give an orphaned cottontail the best possible chance of survival.
Identifying an Orphaned Baby Bunny
The first, and often most crucial, step is determining if the bunny truly needs rescuing. Often, what appears to be an abandoned bunny is actually under the watchful eye of its mother. Cottontail mothers only visit their nests twice a day – dawn and dusk – to avoid attracting predators.
- Is the bunny injured? Obvious wounds or bleeding necessitate immediate intervention.
- Is the bunny cold to the touch? This indicates hypothermia, a critical condition.
- Is the nest clearly disturbed or destroyed? Predation or natural events like flooding can separate bunnies from their mother.
- Size and Appearance: Bunnies larger than 4 inches, with fully opened eyes and hopping ability, are likely independent and should be left alone.
A general guideline is: If the bunny is healthy, warm, and the nest appears undisturbed, leave it alone. Observe from a distance (at least 30 feet) for a few hours to confirm the mother doesn’t return.
Creating a Suitable Habitat
If you’ve determined the bunny needs rescue, providing a safe and comfortable environment is paramount.
- Housing: Use a cardboard box or plastic tub lined with soft bedding like Timothy hay or fleece. Avoid towels, as their loops can entangle tiny toes.
- Warmth: Baby bunnies need supplemental heat. A heating pad set on low under half of the enclosure allows them to move away if they get too warm. Monitor them closely.
- Location: Place the enclosure in a quiet, dimly lit area away from household pets and children.
- Cleanliness: Regularly clean the enclosure to prevent the spread of disease.
Feeding and Hydration
This is the most challenging aspect of rescuing a baby bunny. Improper feeding is a leading cause of death.
- Formula: The recommended formula is kitten milk replacer (KMR), available at most pet stores. Avoid cow’s milk.
- Feeding Schedule: Bunnies under a week old need to be fed every 3-4 hours around the clock. Older bunnies can be fed less frequently.
- Feeding Method: Use a small syringe (without the needle) or a small eyedropper. Feed slowly and carefully to prevent aspiration. Hold the bunny in a natural position.
- Amount: A general guideline is 5-7% of the bunny’s body weight per feeding. This can be increased as the bunny grows. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator for specific amounts.
- Stimulation: After feeding, gently stimulate the bunny’s anal-genital area with a warm, damp cotton ball to encourage urination and defecation, mimicking the mother’s behavior.
Here’s a simplified feeding schedule based on age, always consult a rehabber for custom advice:
| Age | Feeding Frequency | Formula Volume (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| ———– | ———– | ———– |
| Under 1 week | Every 3-4 hours | 1-2 ml per feeding |
| 1-2 weeks | Every 5-6 hours | 2-4 ml per feeding |
| 2-3 weeks | Every 6-8 hours | 4-6 ml per feeding |
| 3-4 weeks | 2-3 times a day | 6-8 ml per feeding |
Weaning and Solid Foods
As the bunny grows, gradually introduce solid foods.
- Introduction: Start with small amounts of Timothy hay, fresh greens (dandelion greens, parsley), and rabbit pellets.
- Progression: Gradually increase the amount of solid food while decreasing the amount of formula.
- Water: Always provide fresh water in a shallow dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: This can lead to bloat and digestive problems.
- Using cow’s milk: It lacks the necessary nutrients and can cause diarrhea.
- Handling too much: Minimize handling to reduce stress.
- Releasing too early: Bunnies need to be fully independent before release.
Seeking Professional Help
The best chance of survival for an orphaned baby bunny is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to provide the specialized care these delicate creatures need. Search online for wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you legally keep a rescued baby bunny?
No, in most jurisdictions, it is illegal to keep wild animals, including baby bunnies, without the proper permits. Wildlife rehabilitators are licensed to care for these animals and prepare them for release back into the wild. Contacting a rehabilitator is crucial.
What does baby bunny poop look like?
Healthy baby bunny poop is small, round, and brown. Diarrhea, green or watery stools, or lack of poop are signs of a serious problem and require immediate veterinary attention or consultation with a wildlife rehabilitator.
How can I tell if a baby bunny is dehydrated?
Dehydration signs include sunken eyes, dry mouth, and lethargy. Gently pinch the skin on the back of the neck. If it doesn’t snap back quickly, the bunny is likely dehydrated. Offer unflavored Pedialyte (not Gatorade) sparingly via a syringe.
What if I accidentally touched a baby bunny? Will the mother reject it?
This is a common misconception. Mothers will not reject their young simply because they have been touched by humans. However, it’s best to avoid unnecessary handling.
How do I make a replacement nest?
If the original nest is destroyed but the bunnies are unharmed, you can create a replacement nest. Line a basket or small container with hay and place it in the original location. Place the bunnies inside, covered with more hay. Monitor from a distance.
What are the signs of a sick baby bunny?
Signs of illness include lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea, nasal discharge, labored breathing, and failure to thrive. Prompt veterinary care is essential.
How long does it take for a baby bunny to open its eyes?
Baby bunnies typically open their eyes around 7-10 days old. If their eyes are crusty or swollen, this could indicate an infection and requires treatment.
What is the best time of year to find baby bunnies?
Cottontail rabbits typically have several litters per year, so baby bunnies can be found throughout the spring and summer months.
How do I release a rehabilitated baby bunny?
Once the bunny is fully weaned, eating solid food independently, and exhibiting natural behaviors (alertness, hopping, grooming), it can be released. Choose a safe location with plenty of cover and a source of food and water. Soft release is ideal. Build a temporary pen in the release area so it can get used to its surroundings. Leave food and water in the pen for several days.
What should I do if I find a baby bunny with fleas or ticks?
Carefully remove any visible fleas or ticks with tweezers. Do not use flea or tick medication unless directed by a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator, as many products are toxic to rabbits.
Can you save a baby bunny if it has been attacked by a cat or dog?
A baby bunny attacked by a predator needs immediate veterinary attention, even if there are no visible wounds. Internal injuries are common in these situations, and prompt treatment is crucial.
What is the lifespan of a cottontail rabbit in the wild?
The lifespan of a wild cottontail rabbit is typically only 1-2 years due to predation, disease, and environmental factors. However, with proper care and release, a rehabilitated bunny can have a better chance of survival.