Care of infant bunnie

Question
Hi Brenda,
I was given a very young bunnie this am. He can fit in my hand which is small. I gave him some water in an eyedropper and 1/4 of a grape. I tried giving him other food and he refused. I have had adults who eat everything and servived to be 10 years old. I have no experience with a young one. He was injured by a cat and I have put on Bactricin on his wound. His one eye is closed. I do not know if it was injured, no signs. I tried to open it by water and no luck. I didn't force it. He feels like he has had food recently due to a good body. I would like to give him Nutrical if that is ok. This is a hard one and I want him to survive and have a good life. Thank you for your kindness in advance. I need suggestions.
Laurie

Answer
If he is a wild bunny you are best to contact your local wildlife department and see who is licensed to care for injured wildlife in your area as it is different than taking care of domestic rabbits.

It is hard to say how old he is because it depends on his breed.  I have some bunnys that are ready to be weaned when they are smaller than what you describe and others that are much bigger before they can leave mom.

I would try some cat milk replacer in an eye dropper first.  See if he will eat some hay, that is usually easier than pellets.  You can also try a mixture of pellets and milk replacer in a paste like substance.  I am unfamilare with Nutrical, so I cannot advise you on that.  You can also try a little grass or a dandilion blossom.  If he is on solid foods he should take something like this soon, if not he is probably still unweaned.

Be careful with what you put on the wound, bunnies clean themselves and can injest medicine which will make them sick.  Sometimes just keeping it clean is best.  For the eye, if you think it is injured or has an infection you can use a product call terrimyacin ointment, it is made specifically for the eye and can be purchased at farm stores such as Tractor Supply.

I wish I could help more, but without knowing the breed and age, it is difficult to recommend a course of action.

Brenda