How to Care for Wild Baby Bunnies
Wild baby bunnies, also known as kittens or leverets, are often found alone and appear helpless. While it is tempting to intervene and help, it is important to understand that in most cases, the best course of action is to leave them alone. Mother rabbits typically visit their young only once or twice a day to nurse them, and they will abandon their litter if they sense human interference.
However, there are some situations where it is necessary to intervene and care for wild baby bunnies. If the bunnies are injured, orphaned, or in immediate danger, it is important to take them to a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for proper care.
Signs of an Orphaned or Injured Bunny
- The bunny is alone and appears abandoned.
- The bunny is cold to the touch.
- The bunny has visible injuries, such as cuts, bruises, or broken bones.
- The bunny is not nursing or is not gaining weight.
How to Care for a Wild Baby Bunny
If you have determined that a wild baby bunny needs your help, it is important to provide the proper care to ensure its survival.
1. Keep the Bunny Warm
Baby bunnies are very susceptible to cold, so it is important to keep them warm. Place the bunny in a small box lined with a soft cloth or towel. You can also use a heating pad set on low to provide additional warmth.
2. Feed the Bunny
Baby bunnies need to be fed every 2-3 hours. The best food for a wild baby bunny is a commercial kitten milk replacer. You can also use goat’s milk or evaporated milk, but these should be diluted with water.
To feed the bunny, use a dropper or syringe to gently place the milk into the bunny’s mouth. Do not overfeed the bunny, as this can cause digestive problems.
3. Stimulate the Bunny to Go to the Bathroom
After each feeding, you will need to stimulate the bunny to go to the bathroom. To do this, gently rub the bunny’s genital area with a warm, damp cloth. This will help the bunny to urinate and defecate.
4. Keep the Bunny Clean
Baby bunnies are very clean animals, but they will need to be cleaned occasionally. Use a warm, damp cloth to gently wipe the bunny’s body. Be sure to avoid getting water in the bunny’s eyes or ears.
5. Provide a Safe Place for the Bunny
Baby bunnies need a safe place to sleep and play. Place the bunny in a small box or cage lined with a soft cloth or towel. The box or cage should be placed in a quiet, warm place.
6. Monitor the Bunny’s Health
It is important to monitor the bunny’s health closely. If the bunny is not eating, gaining weight, or going to the bathroom regularly, it may be sick. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for assistance.
When to Release a Wild Baby Bunny
Wild baby bunnies should be released back into the wild as soon as they are old enough to survive on their own. This typically occurs when the bunnies are about 8-10 weeks old.
To release the bunnies, find a safe location with plenty of food and cover. Place the bunnies in a box or cage and leave them in a quiet spot. The bunnies will eventually find their way out of the box or cage and begin to explore their new surroundings.
It is important to note that it is illegal to keep wild rabbits as pets in many areas. If you are caught keeping a wild rabbit as a pet, you could be fined or even jailed.
Conclusion
Caring for a wild baby bunny can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to remember that these animals are wild and should be released back into the wild as soon as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about caring for a wild baby bunny, please contact a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for assistance.