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Question
QUESTION: Hi i have 3 outside labs and by nature they go hunting early every morning because we live in the country. they brought home a baby bunny that it probably the size ha a hand but i dont know what to feed it please help because none of the vets of supply stores are opened yet
ANSWER: Haleigh,
If it is injured there isn't much hope for it. Especially if the skin is open or a bone is broken. Perfectly healthy wild baby rabbits are really hard to keep alive. An injured one is much less likely to be kept alive. If you really want to save it, take it to the vet and find a wildlife rehabilitator.
If it isn't too injured, it is plenty old enough to release. Wild rabbits mature faster than domestic rabbits and can live on their own at just a few weeks.
When I saved wild baby rabbits I kept them in a hutch in my backyard and was careful not to handle them. In the hutch I put a water dish, fresh grass, and apple slices. They were old enough to be released and were probably smaller than a hand I just had to move them to a better area for various reasons. It's best not to spend too much time touching wild babies. They stress easily and they aren't used to the stress that your little one has been put through.
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QUESTION: hi again you were the little bunny passed away but i thought it was very strange because she looked like she was doing fine and breathing well but when i went to check on her and she had died to you have any suggestions on the reasons she died other than her legs... i attached a pic of her and didnt know if you could give me any info about like her breed ect.
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It isn't unusual for wild baby rabbits to look fine one minute and be dead the next.
I had a friend who took in a litter of them and they were doing great the first couple of weeks then all of a sudden they started dying one after another for no apparent reason.
I'm not sure of its exact reason for death. I just know that it is very hard to keep wild baby rabbits alive. It is always best to find a wildlife rehabilitation center to take the bunny to immediately. They are licensed and know how to care for these delicate creatures.
The breed depends on what is native to your area. It is probably a species of Cottontail. The most common is the Eastern Cottontail.
http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?A=2723%26Q=325996
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Answers by Expert:
Lia Harvey
Expertise
I can help answer your questions whether you have just one house rabbit or hundreds of rabbits in your rabbitry. I know all about rabbitry management and record keeping. I can answer anything about breeding or showing rabbits. Breeding questions may include: gestation, palpation, nest boxes, line-breeding/out-crossing, prenatal/postnatal care for does, breeding problems (canabolism, scattered kits, stuck kits, etc..), orphaned kits, sexing, breeding methods, and many more. Showing questions can include, but are not limited to: tattooing, conditioning, culling, lingo, pedigrees, registering your rabbit, etiquette, traveling to shows, what you should bring to a show, and what to expect at your first show. I can also help you decide what type of disease your rabbit might have. (Note: I am not a veterinarian.) I am familiar with the following diseases/disorders: Coccidiosis, Fur Mites, Pasteurellosis/Bordetellosis (snuffles), Vent Disease, Hutch Burn, GI Stasis, Malocclusion, diarrhea, Mastitis, Sore Hocks, Fly Strike, worms, Red Urine, and Wry Neck. I also know basic rabbit knowledge, such as: housing, feeding, and grooming. I have a lot of helpful tips such as: keeping rabbits cool in the summer/warm in the winter, force feeding, giving vaccinations, bonding with your rabbit, and so many more. Most of all, I can answer nearly any questions that have to do specifically with Netherland Dwarfs, but I am familiar with all breeds. I can not answer questions about color genetics, cancer, butchering, weaving angora wool, spaying/neutering, and litter box training.
Experience
Over 8 years ago, I brought home my first rabbit. Like many first time rabbit owners, I did not know much about my new fluffy bundle of joy. I bought a few books and looked over several Web sites in search of new information. Over the years I grew a great interest for rabbits as I began to learn more and more. I decided to take my love for rabbits a step further and I began my own Netherland Dwarf rabbitry. I have been breeding an exhibiting Netherland Dwarfs for nearly 3 years now. I've spent countless amounts of time researching, learning, and talking about rabbits. Although I have read many, many books on rabbits, personal experience has taught me the most. I have been through so much with my rabbits, but I do not regret a second of it. I could not go a whole day without discussing and learning more about rabbits. There's nothing I love more than sharing my thoughts and ideas about them with others.
Organizations
American Rabbit Breeders Association-(ARBA)
American Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club-(ANDRC)
Illinois Netherland Dwarf Specialty Club-(INDSC)
Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association-(IRBA)
Education/Credentials
I am currently a high school senior with the hopes to go on to become a veterinarian. I want to specialize in rabbits because I do not think there are enough vets who will examine and treat rabbits.
Awards and Honors
I have won several legs (awards) with my Netherland Dwarf rabbits in ARBA shows. Many of which are for BIS (Best In Show) and BOB (Best Of Breed).
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