Baby Jackrabbit

Question
Dear Dana, My papa was out disking in the field and he found a baby jack rabbit. he said if he didn't pick it up he would've disked over it and killed it. Indo not know what to feed it. please write back and tell me how to care for it. right now it is in with the baby chickens. So please write back i do not know where the mom is. Thanks Robin

Answer
Dear Robin,

If your father is finished working in the field, then the very best thing to do is take the baby back exactly where he was found and place him in a sheltered spot.  His mother is nearby, and will be coming at dawn and dusk to feed him.  If he's not there, she may abandon her search, so doing this very quickly is critical to his health and survival.

It is extremely difficult for an inexperienced person to successfully raise a baby hare (jackrabbits are hares), and if you absolutely cannot reunite him with his mother, then please use this list to find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area who knows the proper food and feeding schedule to save him:

http://wildliferehabber.com/modules/xoopsmembers/

For emergency instructions in the meantime, please see:

http://wildliferehabber.com/modules/wildlifesection/item.php?itemid=24

and

http://wildliferehabber.com/modules/wildlifesection/item.php?itemid=23

I hope this helps, but the best thing is to try and get him back exactly where he was so his mother can find him right away to feed him.  

Dana