tiny abandoned wild rabbits

Question
Dear Dana,
Out of necessity, we have been caring for a cottontail of about a week old successfully feeding it.  Its now almost 2 weeks and he/she chews/pretends to chew on some little garden weeds/grass - we put the bunny outside for a short while each day, as well as put these in his box with him. He also nibbles on oatmeal a little (not instant one) too.  Luvs the KMR feeds twice a day.  Another thing it luvs though is to cuddle up in the palms of our hands and falls instantly asleep, quite happy to stay there all the time if we didnt put it back in its box (which we line with soft towels).  I am concerned about him/her not being able to adapt once we introduce him permanently to the yard in a number of weeks.  We feel badly that he/she is alone, and so give in to doing the cuddly thing with the warm hands.  (PS: Also has a little warm water bottle at night too and lies like a little dog next to it).  Too sweet for words.
Lastly, how do we know that bunny is getting enough water at this age?
Thanks in anticipation for your advice.  

Answer
Dear Dibbs,

For more information on the care and safe release of wild cottontails, please see:

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

It's difficult to assess the state of hydration of the baby, but in general he should feel round, soft, and have skin that moves very easily across his muscles, almost slippery.  A dehydrated bunny will often not have that normal, slippery feel, and the skin can feel almost leathery.  Normal fluid intake for a mammal is about 10% of body mass per day (including whatever he gets in his greens and other food), so that could be a helpful gauge.  If his appetite is good, and he's acting well, that's a good sign.

Some cotties become much wilder as they mature, and you'll have to determine what the psychological state is of your little guy.  If he becomes very shy and frightened, then of course it will be right to release him, gradually allowing him to become accustomed to outdoor time and giving him more and more freedom.

If he is already very imprinted on humans, he might be at a disadvantage if turned loose, as he will have lost the natural instinct to flee from human-related danger.  Only time will tell if he's that calm.  It's technically illegal to keep a wild cottontail in captivity (though many people do it), and special permits are required.  

I hope he will do well in your care.  Please see the dietary information here:

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

Avoid feeding him high-calorie foods as he weans, as this may cause his intestines to develop in such a way that they become inefficient at absorbing foods, and he will have a much harder time surviving in the wild without such enriched, processed foods (e.g., pellets, oatmeal, etc.).

Good luck,

Dana