Wild Rabbit Not Moving

Question
A rabbit is sitting under our deck, a raised deck about 7 feet high, so the rabbit exposed.  It has not moved for two days and cowers and hunkers down when we get near, but it will not run or move.  We're concerned that it's hurt but don't want to interfere if not necessary.  Very confusing, can you offer any insight?  Thank You!

Answer
Hi,

I doubt that it is a wild rabbit.  Wild rabbits will not let you get 25-30 feet from them without them running away.  This is probably a domestic rabbit that was abandoned.  Wild rabbits do not stay in exposed places, this guy doesn't know where to go.  He probably is not hurt but just scared because this is not a world he understands as a domestic pet rabbit.  If he is any color other than agouti (the wild rabbit colorings) he is a pet rabbit.  If his ears are droopy (a lop ear) he is a domestic rabbit.  

I would get a carrier (pet carrier) and see if you can get close enough to offer him a washed carrot or a piece of green lettuce.  Let him eat it where he is.  I would sit further out where he can see you, with the pet carrier next to you, front door of the carrier open, with another pice of lettuce/carrot inside.  If he's a domestic he may (because of hunger) come into the carrier.  Don't try to reach for him if he is acting very wary.  Only move if he gets his whole body into the carrier.  Put the carrot/lettuce way in the back.  Then as soon as he's in all the way close the carrier door.

Make sure the carrier bottom is covered with a soft cotton towel that you can afford to get stained.  Wild rabbits will not go into the carrier if you're around, and may run away if you are too close to them.  If he sticks around he's domestic, or wild/domestic in pain.

If this doesn't work well the next step is to get a humane animal trap of the right size and put that near him with food in it, and then leave.  Check it if you hear it go, or every hour (they are sitting ducks for predator animals in there).  You can get these at farm supply/outdoor stores.

What's next depends on if you want to keep him or not.  He needs to eat grass hay like timothy hay or orchard grass hay.  Available at pet supply stores.  this is the most important thing to give him.  I would set up a vet appointment to get him looked over, and they can scan him for an owner's chip if he has one.

If you decide to keep him there's a lot of research for you to do.  Rather than recite it all, I will point you to the best spot to begin: the House Rabbit Society web page:

www.rabbit.org

Hundreds of excellent printable articles on all aspects of rabbit care and housing and nutrition and medical issues.

Write back anytime.