Early this morning my neighbor walked outside to find a very tiny baby bunny at the end of his steps. When I say tiny, I mean tiny. He left it there in hopes of the mother coming to get it. Since he wasn’t sure where the nest was, the only hope for this little animal was momma coming back.
After a few hours the sun was going to be coming up and would be hitting the sidewalk where the bunny was still laying. Knowing that the direct sunlight ( or fire ants finding her) would be deadly and no sign of the mother rabbit, he decided to take the bunny in. He took the lil gal into his shop and placed her in a plastic container with paper towels until he could figure out what to do with her. While he was out doing some chores he figured the little rabbit would be fine. Nope, the lil gal had jumped out of the container. Then came the “Master Container”, He got a larger tub and cut almost the entire top off. He left just the sealing lip and duct taped mesh to cover the open top. Even in her new safer container, she would not be safe in his house because his cat would not be the mothering type. And that is where I come in. I have no cats and I had also raised wild orphaned rabbits as a kid (that was a VERY long time ago).
The neighbor stopped my husband on his way in and told him the situation. So, I was sound asleep when my husband came in and said “Do you want to get up? Bob has a baby bunny that he found and needs help.” Helllooo? I was up and dressed in record time and on my way out before I even had coffee. I went over to the neighbors to find the cutest thing I have ever seen…a very small helpless bunny.
While I was gone my husband was online looking for what to feed it, where to get some food…He had 3 pages printed off before I got back with the delicate care package.
He has since been to the store and gotten KMR kitten formula, a huge syringe (could find a small one), and some Probiotic Acidophilus. We did get the baby to eat a little although she did not pee or poop even after stimulating her. I’ll keep trying. She seems pretty active except when I hold her, then she falls asleep.
For any of you wondering why we didn’t take her to a professional…they euthanize any wild rabbits that do not have their eyes open yet. We figure she has a better chance with us than any of the other options. If you are wondering what type of wild bunny she is then you can see a video of the adult rabbits that visit our yard at Our Wild Desert Bunny Rabbit.
I will welcome any advice from people with experience of raising wild orphaned bunnies. I will also accept well wishes but, I will NOT accept any negative comments. We need lots of positive thoughts for this baby bunny as the mortality rate for this type of situation is not the best but we will be doing everything we can to help her grow into a wonderful healthy adult.
I have some positive news…she pee’d!
Yay – go, bunny, go!!! :) I’m crossing my fingers and toes that under your gentle care she’ll make it.
Just had a thought…maybe she’d feel more secure with a stuffed animal to cuddle up to? I get the feeling she’s searching for her mom, and thinks she’s found her as soon as you touch her :)
Thanks Barb! I’m very hopeful but, know she has a long road ahead so keep those fingers & toes crossed.
She now has a cloth towel on the bottom & I cut another towel into strips about 1″ wide so she can “cuddle” in but not get caught under a big piece that she may not be able to get out from under.
We had to make sure we had a couple of towels that had no soap smell. Thank goodness we don’t use fabric softener or anything scented in the house.
I woke up and looked in on her and she was just a lil wiggle butt. Glad we made it through night # 1.
Awww…you’re such a good bunny mama :)
Yea,, I’m the Bob that found little Esther. Wendy’s family and I go back for years. Good
neighbors good friends. If little Esther stands a chance it’s with these folks. PLEASE!
anyone that gives a shit remember this tiny little soul in your prayers
It kills me that you had to highlight the poo :D
Sure hope you guys are able to raise that bunny. Sure is cute and at least it has a chance with you guys. It would be awful if it had to be euthanised
Sire, I’m with you on the poo :D
That video is a big Awh! maker!
I’m thinkin she could do with a little cuddlin & strokin, no?