I need bunny help UPDATE - HE PASSED AWAY

[Crazy4Chicks]

I work at a pet store and today someone brought in a tiny rabbit her cat caught

there are no bite marks on the bunny anywhere -- its eyes are still closed and looks like a Cottontail to me

I am not sure of the sex or age of the little bugger

I have started feeding him/her kitten formula and it took to the milk pretty good I did not have to fight with him/her very much to eat

I need to know how often to feed - and how do I tell he/she has had enough to eat ?

do I need to help the little one go potty ?

any and ALL advice you have would be great !! the plans for this little one if it makes it will be to stay here with me since I am sure it could never be realase back into the " wild " since I am sure it will be pretty hand tamed from all the bottle feedings

here are a few pics - I am sure you cant tell gender from the pics but thought I would give it a try

 

[wadek2008]

Its adorable. The eyes are still closed and its starting to get fur-Id say its a few days old. Mom's only feed once or tops twice a day, but I think people have to do it every few hours and stimulate them to pee and poo.
Chances are it won't make it. Bunnies that young are incredibly hard. I really hope it does though, hes just so cute.

 

[Emzyyy]

Could you find another rabbit nest and just add it when the mother isn't around maybe she wouldn't notice?

 

[wadek2008]

Also, sorry, forgot a few things. When they're full, you can actually see their tummy get rounder. A lot of times people find them and think mom has abandoned themwhen in reality she only nurses them once or twice a day, so probaly won't be around. Rabbits are kind of hard to sex-like chicks, until the testicles on the males drop. Again, good luck

 

[wadek2008]

Quote:
Would probably be the best option. If you can find a nursing mother in your area, put some vanilla extract on her nose before you put the baby in, by the time it wears off, he'll smell like the rest.
ETA: Think it is a cottontail
www.schneegaswildlifefoundation.org/needs.html

 

[Emzyyy]

maybe you could post an add on craigslist asking people if they have a rabbits nest in there yard?

 

[RabbitMage]

Baby rabbits are nearly impossible to hand-rear. Your best course of action would be to find a wildlife rehabber in your area to give the baby to.

Also, do not try and keep it once it's weaned. Cottontails commonly die in captivity, even with the best of care.

 

[Crazy4Chicks]

I have no idea if there are any nest in my area since I live in town and I am sure not to many rabbits close by with all the stray dogs and cats in my area

putting the little bugger back in a nest is pretty much out of the question - so it is up to me to care for him/her

he/she is fully furred and very active - I am keeping my fingers crossed he/she makes it


the person who brought it in to the pet store did not find a nest anywhere - this little bunny was brought to their house by their cat and they did look for a nest but could not find one so they brought it to us at the store to see if we could help

 

[Emzyyy]

Well I would get a number of a rehabber before hand in case anything starts to go downhill you will be ready to call.


Or find someone with a pet rabbit with babies?

 

[BorderKelpie]

Quote:
IDK if it would work, but do you know of a nice mama cat nursing right now? or even a small breed dog? I have had some of the strangest animal adoption go on at my place. If you can't find a lactating bunny, maybe the others might be an option.
BTW, I have managed to raise a few that young - they do not tame down well at all. Be prepared to release the little guy when s/he is ready.
Best wishes to you and Thumper!