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orphaned baby hares

22 9:53:50

Question
We are in isolated Australia, we disturbed a nest in hay bales that began to smolder, the mother never came back. i dont have access to kitten formula. i have been mixing 1/2 teaspoon of pure raw honey with 20mls water and 20mls milk. The honey for immunity and sugars, watered down cows milk so as not to give diarrhea. do you have any other suggestions as to what i can give them and when can they start on solids, eyes are still shut. Today is the third day we have had them, i would like to release them as soon as they are old enough(when is that). your advise is much appreciated as no-one around here knows.  

Answer
Dear Heidi,

You can find the instructions for what we used to feed our baby hares here:

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

In the U.S., our hares generally eat 10% of their body weight twice per day, and you don't want to vary too much from that.  Colostrum is especially helpful if the babies have no mother's milk but are being handled by humans.  If you see any sign of diarrhea, please read this immediately for emergency instructions:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/squirts.pdf

I hope they do well and that you enjoy these lovely, sweet creatures.  But since in Australia hares are exotic species that are in competition with native wildlife, you might consider keeping them with you as "House Hares."  They can be lovely, intelligent, fascinating companions.

Hope this helps.

Dana