The Bunny Basics

Dlfnlvr · Joined: 12 Apr 2008 Posts: 2 Location: New Jersey

I have bunnies that were born a few weeks ago in my front yard in a hole. There are about 6-7 that we can tell. We haven't bothered them but I think the neighbor's little boy tried to pick them up. I just check on them here and there and today one was almost pushed out of the hole bc it was dead. I removed it but am afraid this will keep happening.

Long story short...waht should I do with them????
Could I take them in or bring them to a shelter or leave them be praying no more die or get messed with from all the kids around when I am not home.

Anything would help! Thanx
Amanda

TheBunnyBasics · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 2:16 pm Post subject:

Hi Amanda,

Are the babies wild bunnies or domestic bunnies? If they are wild they should be left alone if the mother is still taking care of them. Please be aware mother rabbits in the wild stay away from the babies for a large part of the day as to not draw attention to them. If she is no longer able to care for them the best thing to do is contact a wildlife rescue. Baby bunnies need very special care.

Here is a good link that may help you:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/orphan.html

If they are domestic rabbits you can contact a local rabbit rescue. Domestic rabbits won't survive in the wild. Here is one located in New Jersey. If they are not near you they probably can help find someone in your area.

http://www.njhrs.com/

If at all possible try to keep the kids away from the area. I realize that may be easier said than done. If you can't find a rabbit rescue in your area the local humane society should be able to help as well.

Hope this helps. Thank you for caring enough about them to seek help! Very Happy

Dlfnlvr · Joined: 12 Apr 2008 Posts: 2 Location: New Jersey

Great info...

How do I actually know if they are domestic or wild?
I do live on a cul de sac with no major wood area near by.

I did notice tiny-tiny white/gray-maget-like worms earlier. I am thinking maybe there may be a dead one under the rest of them. Should I just take the chance of removing them and care for them myself with research learned from this website on how to care for a bunnie or take them to a shelter near by or reseach more first??

TheBunnyBasics · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2008 7:36 pm Post subject:

I think the best thing would be to contact a wildlife rescue so they can evaluate the situation. They will be able to tell you what is best for them by observing the situation. If you don't have one in your area see if the NJ House Rabbit Society has someone in the area that can come and look at the situation. The maggots are concerning.

Here is some info on how the tell the difference between wild and domestic rabbits. If they are very young it can be difficult if you are not real familiar with rabbits.

http://www.fosterbunnies.com/cottontails-domestic.htm

http://www.metropets.org/Newsroom/articles/cottontail.php

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/3-7/stray.html

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze27h5b/id32.html