*********Disclaimer**********
Be aware that it is illegal in Georgia to take in or feed wildlife, unless holding a license in rehabilitation.
Check with your states’ laws and regulations.
We are profoundly aware of that fact and took every precaution and legal step there is to take. We only intercede if we feel an animal is injured or requires immediate intervention, as was the case in this situation.
If you should find a helpless baby bunny, please try to locate the nest and put it back. There is nothing wrong with touching a wild bunny kitten and placing it back in its nest. Wild baby bunnies have a high mortality rate in even the most experienced rehabilitators hands. Just like birds, it is a MYTH to think that mommas won’t touch their young once a human has touched it. This is NOT TRUE! So please, if you find yourself in that situation, put the baby back; bunny and bird alike!
Catching a wild animal could cause it enough stress to kill it within just a couple of days; so please use caution, common sense and contact someone licensed immediately!!
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The next day
Waking the next morning I was afraid of what I might find, but to my happy surprise it was up and moving around. Once I opened the carrier, I found it sitting on top of the hay and the blanket. I was excited to think it was ready for a feeding. Unfortunately it did not take any milk from me that time, leaving me a little discouraged. Counting the hours it’s been and how many were left before I might reach someone knowledgeable, we did everything we could think of to keep this baby safe and warm.
Only disturbing it when absolutely necessary, taking it out of carrier just twice a day; in the morning and at night to attempt feedings. We stimulated to ensure proper urination and defecation as baby animals require this in the early stages. With our limited knowledge on baby bunnies we guesstimated it to be about two weeks old, which is right on the brink of being independent. Of course we weren’t positive, so we continued taking care of it.
The search continues
We walked the neighbor’s property several times over the weekend looking for a nest or anything resembling a nest; really hoping to be able to reunite baby with the doe. By Sunday evening we had not made any progress in finding mom or a nest but I was relieved that Monday was right around the corner. It still was not taking any formula nor water from me and I was dreading what might come. Surely by the next morning I would be able to find some help; drop it off with someone professional.
After making some phone calls I was finally connected with a 20 year licensed, exotic wildlife rehabilitator. Listening to our story she assured us that we were doing everything that she would be doing.
Preparing for an alternative outcome
Agreeing that it was just a couple of weeks or so shy of being able to survive the wild on its own, she recommended to keep doing what we were doing. Passing on some tips to maybe get it to eat, we soon realized everything was being done that could be! At this point it was going on 36 hours without food or water and I was worried! Offering some words of advice that if the kitten does not make it, it was not because we did anything wrong; that baby bunnies are so very hard to rehabilitate, no matter the experience.
The clock is ticking
So there I sat; 40 hours since its last oral intake, hoping that all goes well. Eager to keep it alive and release it out in to the wild once big and strong enough. Per our point of contact; it should be ready for release in a few weeks, if all goes well until then.
That very evening we had a huge turn around!
So worried it would not eat; I took it out of the carrier and held it close to my chest, as I prepared some milk for a last ditch effort.
To my surprise it lapped up the milk like it was going out of style; even nibbling on the tip of the syringe trying to get more.
Saying that I was ecstatic is an understatement, I wanted to do flips!
(Not happening though, since I would most definitely break a hip or two)
On to a bigger home
Realizing at this point that it would be staying with us for a few more weeks, we decided to upgrade it’s living quarters. Needless to say we always have an extra cage sitting around – I mean obviously you never know when we are going to need one, which seems all too often.
Each of our babies have temporarily spent time in this one particular cage, and this one is no exception.
Seeing that this one needed a few special things; I immediately placed another order with my favorite pet supply delivery company, Chewy.
Specific hay, litter and pellets just to name a few extra supplies; which all arrived in less than 48 hours.
Needing some love
Each day I would attempt feedings by syringe twice a day; once at dawn and dusk. Ok, ok; maybe not quite at that time, but pretty close to it. Holding it close to my chest and wrapped in a small, soft cloth; it would devour the milk at each feeding. After it was done, it would shift around, settle into my hand and fall asleep. It was too darn cute, yet sad at the same time. It just made me think it was missing its parents and some much needed snuggly loving.
Keeping everyone safe
So far it had been kept in our room, as we did not want to integrate it for several reasons. For one, there is a chance it could be carrying mites or any given type of bacteria or virus; that of course we did not want to pass on to our other babies. Secondly, we didn’t want it to become used to our cat; needing to retain its ferral instinct to run away from felines. And lastly, we just did not want it to become too used to everyone, and vise versa. We wanted to keep it somewhat isolated to not stress it out too much.
After a few twice a day feedings, it started to refuse our morning ritual. Excited to realize it was weaning itself, we continued our nightly routine without any complications. Of course it was eating its Alfalfa and Timothy Hay, as well as our homegrown carrot greens.
Still in constant contact with our new rehabilitator friend, she continued to emphasize that everything was being done right. Any changes or additions that have been made, were ran by her first.
Play time
Each day this baby became more active and spunky. Our babies have daily outside time; which right now consists of running on the back deck. Each one gets put on a leash and allowed roaming of our backyard several times a week; this usually consists of running wildly zig zag patterns and many flips and hops. We also bring out the little rascal during back deck time. Of course it doesn’t roam free as our other babies; instead we have a mobile, zipped and meshed pet play pen, which gives it plenty of room to bounce around. It needs fresh air just like anyone else and we couldn’t just keep it cooped up inside of our room 24/7.
1 week later
… we have continued to improve. Still taking nightly feedings, the amount each time varies greatly; generally eating more on active days. It absolutely loves to run around the play pen and even hops on top of tall boxes. How do I know it’s not frantically trying to get out? Well that was something I also worried about. It is never stressed or out of breath; instead it runs in circles, does hops and flips and likes to jump over the toys inside. It is not erratic and likes to sit and watch the other bunnies; especially when they come close to inspect.
With that being said, I worried it was domesticating. It wasn’t ready to be set free yet according to our contact; and we continued doing our best not to domesticate it. One evening our cat was also out back with us and sitting close, staring at the play pen; when we noticed the baby bunny was not hiding from it. Instead it was sitting pretty close and eating hay; no worries in the world, no fear.
So yeah, that wasn’t good! Now what?
2nd week
At this point we introduced baby rabbit pellets, also talked over with the rehabiliator first. Still drinking milk at least several nights a week, it was still not ready for release. On top of that, it also isn’t scared of us. At times it comes towards us and others it bounces and pings all over the place; however, never appearing in distress. It still allows us to reach into its space and pick it up or even pet its head a few times. So we just continue along as before.
3 weeks in…
…and we finally decided on a vet visit. At this point, it is pretty used to its surroundings; which no, was not the initial plan at all! Still drinking milk at least every other day and taking a nap afterwards on our chest. It loves to be close; to hear the comfort of a heartbeat I presume, and it is heartbreaking to think what would happen if we let it out at this point.
Consulting with the veterinarian and rehabilitator, everyone agreed there is a possibility of this baby needing a permanent home. Each one fearing it has domesticated and might not survive in the wild on its own. Need I mention that we have yet to see any bunnies around? Seeing them almost daily before the neighbors grass was cut, we haven’t seen them since; not a single one of them.
Now what?
So what are we to do?
Knowing we did not hunt down this creature to trap it inside; that it came to us, and let us take care of it?
That yes, at this age they are usually out on their own; yet with only a 15 % survival rate in the wild.
It is still taking milk feedings several times a week.
Aware there is a possibility it has lost some of its important instincts to keep it safe.
For now
We have decided to continue taking care of it and see what happens. Since it is still drinking milk, it definitely is not ready yet; according to experts. If it continues to domesticate and is not able to survive the wild on its own, we will make it a permanent member of our family.
There is still a 50/50 chance of releasing it into the wild, but we will play it by ear.
Ever since finding this stranded bunny on our property, we have made the decision to become licensed rehabilitators. There is lots to learn and do and we will continue pressing on.
There is too much love for animals within us to not take the next step in doing this; especially considering the numerous times we have been presented with animals in need.
Oh and did I mention; the baby’s name is Pickles and it’s gender has been properly identified as a male.
We have Pickles to thank for our new adventure in obtaining our license.
Let’s see what else is in store for us; we can’t wait!
Our go to for all of our babies is Chewy and a local hardware store. We love the benefits and savings from Chewy, but also advocate for supporting local businesses.
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Miss the first part of our rescue story? No worries just click the following link – Another Bunny Rescue Part 1
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