My bunny is in labor

Question
To be honest me and my family know absolutely nothing about giving birth to baby bunnies. We just discovered a tiny newborn outside the bunny cage. HELP! we don't know anything about what needs to be done! the bunny is still alive and he is the first born how many more should we expect? should we take the mail out of the cage? how do we take care of this situation? any help will be very appreciated! Thanks

Answer
Dear Kristinia,

Please go here for emergency instructions:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/surpriselitter.html

In a case like this, it would be much better for you to contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian, as it clearly states in my instructions.  I hope the babies will be okay and that the mother will care for them.  If this is a very young mother bunny, the babies will be at very high risk of not surviving.  If she's not caring for them, please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/orphan.html

Even if the babies did not survive, please read the first article.  It is imperative that the male be separated *before* the mother gives birth.  If he was not taken away beforehand, there's a very good chance the female is pregnant again (he can impregnate her again within minutes of her giving birth) and you will need this information in four weeks.

I hope all will be fine.

Dana