How to Care for Newborn Wild Bunnies: A Guide

Serious, Encouraging

Serious, Authoritative

The delicate task of intervening in nature’s course requires careful consideration and precise action, particularly when encountering seemingly abandoned wildlife; understanding the role of wildlife rehabilitation centers becomes paramount in these situations. The instinct to nurture often compels individuals to assist newborn animals; however, improper handling, especially concerning lagomorphs whose mothers may only visit their young twice a day, often does more harm than good. Organizations like the Humane Society advocate a cautious approach, emphasizing observation before intervention, as many seemingly orphaned bunnies are, in fact, under maternal care. A comprehensive understanding of the cottontail rabbit’s natural behavior is crucial to determining whether intervention is truly necessary. This guide addresses how to care for newborn wild bunnies responsibly, providing essential knowledge and emphasizing the importance of consulting with licensed professionals before attempting any care, and also focuses on when the best solution may be to simply leave the newborns undisturbed.

How to Care for Newborn Wild Bunnies: A Guide

Finding a nest of newborn wild bunnies can be a surprise, and your first instinct might be to help. It’s commendable that you care, but before intervening, it’s crucial to understand the best course of action, as well-intentioned interference can sometimes do more harm than good. This guide will help you make informed decisions and provide the correct care if intervention becomes truly necessary.

Is Intervention Truly Needed? The Most Important Question

Wild rabbits are excellent mothers. They typically only visit their nests twice a day, usually at dawn and dusk, to avoid attracting predators. So, seeing a nest unattended doesn’t automatically mean the bunnies are abandoned.

Before you even consider taking action, observe the nest from a distance for 12-24 hours. Look for these signs of parental care:

• Do the babies look plump and healthy? Healthy bunnies will have round bellies and smooth fur.
• Is the nest lined with fur? The mother rabbit pulls fur from her own body to insulate the nest.
• Are the babies huddled together for warmth?
• Is there evidence that the mother has visited, such as freshly disturbed grass or leaves around the nest?

Important: Never attempt to directly watch the nest too closely, as your presence may scare the mother away. Use binoculars or a camera from a safe distance.

If, after careful observation, you see these signs, leave the nest alone. The mother is likely caring for her young.

However, there are situations where intervention is necessary:

• The babies are visibly injured. Obvious wounds, bleeding, or broken limbs require immediate attention.
• The mother is deceased. If you are certain the mother is dead (e.g., found on the road nearby), the babies will need help.
• The babies are cold to the touch and emaciated. This indicates severe neglect and starvation.
• The nest has been disturbed, and the babies are scattered and vulnerable. This includes situations where pets have discovered the nest or it has been damaged by weather.
• The babies are covered in flies or maggots. This signifies a serious health issue.

Preparing for Rescue: What You’ll Need

If you determine that intervention is necessary, preparing properly is vital.

Gather these supplies:

• Gloves: Always wear gloves (latex or disposable) when handling wild animals to protect yourself from potential diseases and parasites and to minimize your scent on the bunnies.
• A cardboard box: Choose a box large enough to comfortably house the bunnies.
• Soft bedding: Line the box with soft, clean materials such as fleece, paper towels, or shredded newspaper. Avoid using towels with loops, as the bunnies’ claws can get caught.
• Heating pad or hot water bottle: Newborn bunnies cannot regulate their body temperature, so providing warmth is essential.
• Unflavored Pedialyte: To rehydrate the bunnies.
• Syringe or eyedropper: For feeding.
• Kitten milk replacer (KMR): Available at pet stores, KMR is the best substitute for rabbit milk.
• Soft cloth or cotton balls: For stimulating urination and defecation.

The Rescue Process: Gentle Handling and Immediate Needs

• Carefully pick up each bunny, wearing gloves. Handle them gently and quickly to minimize stress.
• Assess their condition. Check for injuries, dehydration, and signs of illness.
• Place them in the prepared box with the soft bedding.
• Provide warmth. Place the heating pad on low underneath half of the box, allowing the bunnies to move away from the heat if they get too warm. Alternatively, wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and place it in the box. Ensure the bunnies cannot directly contact the heat source.
• Rehydrate. Offer unflavored Pedialyte using a syringe or eyedropper. Administer small amounts at a time, allowing them to swallow.
• Contact a wildlife rehabilitator. This is the most important step. Wild bunnies have very specific needs, and attempting to raise them yourself without proper knowledge is often fatal. A licensed rehabilitator has the expertise and resources to give them the best chance of survival.

Providing Temporary Care: While You Wait for the Rehabilitator

While waiting for the wildlife rehabilitator to take the bunnies, follow these guidelines:

Feeding:

• Frequency: Newborn bunnies need to be fed twice a day.

• Amount: Start with small amounts and gradually increase as they grow. A general guideline is:

  Age (Days)	Amount of KMR (ml)
  1-7	2-3 ml
  8-14	5-7 ml
  15-21	7-10 ml
  22+	10-15 ml

• Technique: Hold the bunny gently in an upright position. Insert the syringe or eyedropper into the side of its mouth, and slowly release the milk. Allow the bunny to swallow at its own pace. Never force-feed.

• Formula Temperature: The formula should be warmed to body temperature.

• Burping: Gently pat the bunny’s back after feeding to help release any trapped air.

Hygiene:

• Stimulation: After each feeding, use a soft, damp cloth or cotton ball to gently stimulate the bunny’s anal and genital areas. This encourages them to urinate and defecate, as their mother would normally do.
• Cleanliness: Keep the bedding clean and dry. Replace soiled bedding as needed.

Environment:

• Keep the box in a quiet, dark, and warm place. Minimize noise and handling to reduce stress.
• Maintain consistent temperature. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the box and adjust the heating pad or hot water bottle accordingly. The ideal temperature is around 85-90°F (29-32°C) for the first week, gradually decreasing to 75-80°F (24-27°C) as they grow.

Important Considerations:

• Wild bunnies are extremely fragile and prone to stress-related illnesses. Minimizing handling and providing a quiet, comfortable environment is crucial.
• Never try to keep a wild bunny as a pet. They are not domesticated animals and require specialized care that is difficult to provide.
• Contacting a licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the best way to ensure the bunnies have the best chance of survival and eventual release back into the wild. Their expertise is invaluable in providing the specialized care these vulnerable animals require.

So, there you have it. Caring for newborn wild bunnies is a huge commitment and often best left to the professionals. But, if you’ve exhausted all other options and find yourself in the position of needing to know how to care for newborn wild bunnies, remember this guide and proceed with caution, patience, and a whole lot of heart. Good luck!