Baby Ohphaned Rabbits

Question
How do I know if one of the baby bunnies are in shock? I have four and all have been fine, except for one. It was a little sluggish last week but perked up. This morning its very slow and strethes it's legs out. I found it away from the other three babies. Solid poop and had been eating and drinking fine. The babies are about 10 days old. Help, I dont want the baby to die.

Answer
Hi Angie,

you need to place the baby you found apart from the rest back in with the others and get them close so that they can share body heat.  If you are feeding them as there isn't a mom, then just make sure to keep him warm in the nest material after you're done feeding him and try and keep them all close together to share body warmth.

That is the best thing to do.  Make sure he is getting enough to eat, and get him back with his siblings and get him snugged in the nesting material so he can stay warm.

The House Rabbit Society web site has a lot of info on newborns and orphans and their care:
www.rabbit.org

Some articles:

http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/orphan.html

http://www.rabbit.org/care/babies.html

http://www.rabbit.org/care/newborn.html

Print these out and save them to your computer for future reference.

And know what you are doing (raising orphaned babies) is very difficult to do, many experienced rabbit owners and rescuers can't always save them.  He may have a problem that he may not make it.  But I'd at least try and give him every chance, and it sounds like you are willing to do so.

You can always place a regular 60 watt bulb a couple feet over their area for a little extra heat (just make sure there isn't a fire issue or that they can chew any cords).

Write me back and let me know how they're doing.

Lee