Should You Move Baby Bunnies? A Guide to Nest Intervention
In most cases, the answer is a resounding no. Moving baby bunnies is generally discouraged as mother rabbits typically only visit the nest briefly, and interference can cause abandonment.
Understanding Rabbit Nesting Behavior
Before you even consider the question, “Should you move baby bunnies?“, it’s crucial to understand how wild rabbits (specifically cottontails, the most common variety people encounter) raise their young. Unlike many other mammals, mother rabbits do not stay with their babies constantly. They visit the nest, usually at dawn and dusk, for just a few minutes to feed them. This behavior minimizes the risk of attracting predators to the nest.
- Brief Nursing Sessions: Mother rabbits only nurse for a few minutes each day, usually during dawn and dusk.
- Well-Concealed Nests: Nests are typically shallow depressions in the ground, lined with fur and dry grass. They are expertly camouflaged.
- Scent Masking: The mother rabbit avoids spending extended periods near the nest, minimizing her scent and reducing the risk of attracting predators.
Because the mother is rarely seen, many people mistakenly assume the babies are abandoned. This is almost never the case.
Why Moving Baby Bunnies Is Usually a Bad Idea
The instinct to protect and nurture is powerful, but intervening in nature’s course can often do more harm than good. “Should you move baby bunnies?” Only in very specific and rare instances.
- Abandonment Risk: While rabbits have a poor sense of smell, handling baby bunnies can still leave a foreign scent that might cause the mother to reject them.
- Stress to Bunnies: Moving is highly stressful for young rabbits, especially if they are very young and vulnerable.
- Incorrect Diet: Raising baby bunnies in captivity is extremely difficult. They have very specific dietary needs, and feeding them incorrectly can lead to serious health problems or even death.
- Natural Immunities: Wild rabbits are exposed to natural microbes that help them develop a strong immune system. Captivity deprives them of this crucial exposure.
When Moving Might Be Considered (And Who to Contact First)
There are a few rare situations where intervention might be necessary, but you should always contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before taking any action. These situations might include:
- Obvious Injury: If a baby bunny is clearly injured (broken leg, bleeding wound), it needs professional help.
- Confirmed Orphanhood: If the mother rabbit is confirmed dead (e.g., hit by a car), the babies will need rescuing. However, observe the nest for a full 24 hours first to be absolutely sure the mother is gone.
- Extreme Exposure: If the nest has been completely destroyed and the bunnies are exposed to the elements (heavy rain, extreme heat), temporary intervention might be needed until a rehabilitator can assist. Again, call a rehabilitator first.
Crucially, the best course of action is always to call a wildlife rehabilitator. They have the experience, knowledge, and resources to properly assess the situation and provide the best possible care for the bunnies. Search online for wildlife rehabilitators in your area.
If Relocation is Absolutely Necessary: The Steps
If, after consulting with a wildlife rehabilitator, you are instructed to move the nest a short distance, follow these steps very carefully:
- Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when handling baby bunnies to minimize the transfer of your scent.
- Relocate a Short Distance: Move the nest to a similar location nearby – ideally within a few feet. Keep it hidden and protected.
- Rebuild the Nest: Use the original nesting material (fur, grass) to rebuild the nest as closely as possible to its original form.
- Monitor: Observe the nest from a distance to see if the mother returns. Place a small twig across the entrance. If the twig is moved by the next morning, the mother has likely visited.
Understanding Long-Term Care and Re-Release
Attempting to raise baby bunnies yourself is rarely successful. Even if you manage to keep them alive, their chances of survival in the wild are significantly reduced. Wildlife rehabilitators understand their complex dietary and social needs, as well as the gradual reintroduction to the wild.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with Baby Bunnies
Many well-intentioned people make mistakes when dealing with baby bunnies. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Assuming Abandonment: This is the most common mistake. Just because you don’t see the mother doesn’t mean she’s not caring for her young.
- Overhandling: Handling baby bunnies excessively can stress them and potentially lead to abandonment.
- Feeding Inappropriate Food: Feeding baby bunnies cow’s milk or other inappropriate foods can be fatal.
- Keeping Them as Pets: Wild animals belong in the wild. Keeping them as pets is detrimental to their well-being and often illegal.
Table: Intervention Decision Tree
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| :—————————————— | :———————————————————————- |
| Bunnies appear healthy, nest undisturbed | Leave them alone. Monitor from a distance if concerned. |
| Bunnies appear healthy, nest slightly disturbed | Leave them alone. Reconstruct the nest if possible, wearing gloves. |
| Bunny is visibly injured | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
| Mother confirmed dead | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. |
| Nest destroyed, bunnies exposed | Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Provide temporary shelter if instructed. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Bunnies
Here are some commonly asked questions about baby bunnies and when to consider intervention.
How can I tell if baby bunnies are truly abandoned?
The best way to determine if baby bunnies are abandoned is to observe the nest for 24 hours. If the mother doesn’t return during that time, especially during dawn and dusk, and there are no signs of her presence (disturbed twigs, tracks), it’s possible they’ve been abandoned. However, always consult with a wildlife rehabilitator first before taking any action.
What do baby bunnies eat?
Baby bunnies consume their mother’s milk. Do not attempt to feed them cow’s milk or other substitutes. These can be harmful and even fatal. Wildlife rehabilitators use specialized formulas.
How old do baby bunnies have to be before they leave the nest?
Baby bunnies typically leave the nest around 3-4 weeks old. At this point, they are mostly independent and capable of finding their own food. They might still look small and vulnerable, but they are usually fine.
What should I do if my dog or cat found a nest of baby bunnies?
Keep your pets away from the area. If the nest is only slightly disturbed, reconstruct it as best you can, wearing gloves. Monitor from a distance to see if the mother returns. If your pet injured a bunny, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.
What if I accidentally disturbed a bunny nest while gardening?
Carefully reconstruct the nest using the original materials (fur, grass). Wear gloves to minimize your scent. Monitor the nest from a distance to see if the mother returns. If the bunnies appear injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Are baby bunnies nocturnal?
No, baby bunnies are not nocturnal. Their mothers typically visit the nest at dawn and dusk.
How big are baby bunnies when they are born?
Newborn bunnies are very small, usually about the size of a mouse. They are born blind and hairless.
Is it legal to keep a baby bunny as a pet?
In most places, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, including baby bunnies, as a pet.
What diseases can baby bunnies carry?
While the risk is low, baby bunnies can carry diseases like tularemia. Always wear gloves when handling them and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
How can I tell the difference between a wild rabbit and a domestic rabbit?
Wild rabbits, specifically cottontails, are smaller and more compact than domestic rabbits. They have a brown or gray coat and a characteristic white “cotton” tail. Domestic rabbits come in a wide variety of colors and sizes. If the bunny is in your house, contact your local animal shelter, it is most likely a domesticated rabbit.
What if the nest is in a dangerous location (e.g., near a busy road)?
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They can advise you on the best course of action. Moving the nest yourself should be a last resort, and only done under their guidance.
My neighbor is trapping rabbits; what should I do?
Humane trapping is legal in some areas, but relocating animals can disrupt ecosystems. It may be more effective to take preventative measures. Consider talking to your neighbor about humane alternatives, such as fencing or using repellents.