babay rabbits

Question
I was cutting the grass and ran over a nest that had 5 small rabbits. Unfortnitly only 2 survived. What can we do to help them. Right now I have caught and have them in a box. If I hadn't caught them the cats at the barn would have gotten them. Our main question is how and what can we do to care for them.

Answer
Hi Joe

I know how sad it is when you accidently hit a rabbit nest with the mower.  Unfortunately this happens a lot.  The very best thing you can do is get them to a person who rehabilitates wildlife.  I have a list or rehabilitators but I am told it is only a partial list.  It doesn't hurt to give it a try:

http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contact.htm

If you are unable to get ahold of anyone in your area then please call your local animal rescue or SPCA.  They will know who in the area is qualified to take care of these little one's and get them back in the wild where they belong.

Sadly most rabbits don't survive very long.  These specially trained people have taken many classes and are licensed to care for them.  If you didn't have cats I would have told you to put the remaining 2 back in the nest and let the mother come back and feed them.  However if you feel they are in danger it is better to get ahold of someone immediately.

If you ever find a wild rabbit roaming outside of the nest please don't be afraid to put it back.  The mother will not desert it just because it was handled by humans or cats/dogs whatever.  Basically she comes back once or twice a day and feeds them and then leaves again.  They don't tend to their nest because it attracts predators.  It is just a natural born instinct.

Until the time that you can get ahold of someone you can feed the babies kitten replacement milk (KMR).  It is only a temporary solution and does not contain the necessary nutrients that a baby bunny needs.  It should hold them over until they can be re-homed with a licensed professional.

Here is a web-site that explains exactly how to feed them:

http://www.hsus.org/wildlife/urban_wildlife_our_wild_neighbors/injured_orphaned_...

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

I am so sorry that this happened to you but it does happen.  I always try to do a quick walk through of my yard to look for nests before I mow.  It does seem to help.  Then if I find one I stake it off and I don't mow in that area for about 5 weeks.  Usually within 4 weeks the babies are out wandering on their own.

Good luck and I hope you can find some help.

Pam