need info on my bunnys legs

Question
i rescued 3 cottontail bunnies on oct. 2 2006. 2 were let go.the smallest is well accept he uses the heel of his back legs.it just started with with one side now the other.everything else is normal. i it because of lack of space to move around? he's in a 20 gallon tank rite now.am planning to put him in a larger space.he's very tame.as the other 2 needed to be released to the wild.i want to keep him.iam very wooried about his condition.i hope to hear from you soon. thank you, robert sheidy largo florida,727 520-3950

Answer
Dear Robert,

An aquarium is a completely inappropriate home for any rabbit or cottontail, and I would recommend that you get this little guy into a bigger space (a small bathroom with the floor covered in towels so he won't be on a cold, slippery floor?) *right away* so that you can observe his normal movements.  It could be that the hard, flat glass is damaging his feet, which should be on a surface that has some "give" to it.

Whatever space he's in should be NO SMALLER than 4'x 4'x 3' so he can stretch and run around.  Ideally, provide a cardboard box (no tape or staples) with a couple of holes cut in the sides so he can go in and out.  Fresh hay is essential, and you can read about healthy diet here:

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

An excellent way to house him is in a KW corral:

www.kwcages.com

which can be set up in the living room or other area where there's good flooring.  

But in any case, get him OUT OUT OUT of that tiny cage, which is appropriate for fish, but not for a wild cottontail.  Please also see:

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

If his odd gait does not resolve once he's in a healthier environment, please write back to me with more details and I'll try to help more.  But the problem certainly could be his housing!  

I hope this helps.

Dana