Help This Poor Rabbit!

[emmysjj]

I was outside with my dog (in my backyard) and I heard a squeaking. I thought, oh, ****. This wouldn't be the first rabbit my dog's gotten to. I scream and rush over. I see a little baby, no more then a week old (eyes shut, no hair) completly fine, but lost. I scooped it up with gloves and put it near where I had guessed the nest was. A few hours later, he's (yes, its a he) still laying in the same spot. I can imagine that he won't live through the cold and hunger. Is there anything I can do for him? I see no mom anywhere, for hours. Please help! The sun is setting and it gets cold.

 

[JoeCamaro]

Bring him in. Give him milk.

 

[emmysjj]

What kind? I can't bring him inside (my mom claims it might have rabies).

Mary765 can you help me here? I know you have rabbits.

 

[Rtessy]

Mother rabbits are rather skittish, and this kind of thing may well scare her off for a few hours. How cold does it get where you are? And, under no circumstances should you feed it milk, as I assume you only have access to cow's milk, which has very different proteins from rabbits milk and can seriously harm other species.
Edit: I wouldn't bring it inside btw, rabies isn't the only disease. Plus, there's a good chance it would get out of whatever you would use to hold it and could injure itself in the house or eat something poisonous to it.

 

[JoeCamaro]

It's nature, that's how things go. Some live, some die.
It's the circle, the circle of life

 

[emmysjj]

I live near Jersey. I was wondering if I could offer it some nesting material.

 

[Rtessy]

If you were going to do anything, I would recommend nesting material, you're right on track. I don't know what you could offer, unless you have some kind of small mammal pet and have nesting for them. I don't know if you could use a blanket, as it would smell human, and scent matter a good bit more to mammals than birds (also the myth about momma birds not coming back for babies because a person touched it is wrong). Maybe if you have some craft stuffing, though I guess that may be dangerous if it decides to chew on it. I would worry about food though. What kind of nesting material could you offer?

It's nature, that's how things go. Some live, some die.
It's the circle, the circle of life

Lol you changed your opinion real quick

 

[emmysjj]

Tissue, toilet paper. Should I bring that out? I gave all my hamster stuff away. My research says that the mom will return at night and feed them for 5 minutes.

 

[Rtessy]

If you have unscented tissues/toilet paper, then yes, that's a great idea!

 

[emmysjj]

Thanks

Just did it, tucked him good night I hope he's here in the morning. I'll get pics, too. Will continue to update this thread.

I gave him a new warm bed this morining. No sign of the mom.

 

[JoeCamaro]

Awwww poor thing

 

[wodesorel]

Not sure where in the world you are, but it might be time to call a licensed rehabber to see if there is anything else that can be done, or if they need to step in assist.

If you are in the US, your state's Department of Wildlife can refer you to someone, or you may be able to find a listing of licenced rehabbers online and contact them directly.

 

[Fanatic]

Aww, poor little thing.
I had a rabbit nesting area in my yard. My mom didn't know where it was, and she noticed a hole. She used her foot to fill the grass and dirt back in, she stepped on the babies
They all passed though

 

[goldface]

Growing up with a large backyard, I used to come across kits (baby rabbits) all the time. Honestly, it might be you’re doing more harm than good. Just because you don’t see the mom doesn’t mean she’s dead. Maybe you’re doing the correct thing. I don’t know, but I just wanted to throw that info out there.

 

[Fanatic]

emmysjj
You are positive that you aren't seeing the mom? She only comes by once a day for a few minutes just to check on them and give them food.

 

[RedLoredAmazon]

If the rabbit's eyes are still closed that means it should still be in it's nest not out of it. When this happens we put the rabbit back into it's nest if we know where it's at. If not, we normally take it to our local vet since she has a rehab person that picks up the wild animals. That baby will need medical attention since it is so small and hasn't been fed yesterday.

 

[Fanatic]

You might want to check this out.

 

[Rtessy]

I agree with calling a wildlife rescue, I didn't realize how young we were talking. I'm glad you gave it some nesting material though. Even if the mom happens to be coming back, that's a shot in the dark type of guess whereas a wildlife rescue can either guarantee good care or reassure you the mom is around.

 

[emmysjj]

It gets really hot here (85 degrees). Should I offer water?

I see some fur growth, and this is the first time that he's struggled when I 'picked him' up (not with my hands). The baby hasn't moved (or, been moved), so that's why I'm assuming no mom. However, his belly seems full and round. Is it fullness or bloat?

Called my local wildlife center, going to try to get him there tomorrow. Right now, its storming, so he's sleeping in a bow in my garage. Any way I can try to give him water?

 

[RedLoredAmazon]

Called my local wildlife center, going to try to get him there tomorrow. Right now, its storming, so he's sleeping in a bow in my garage. Any way I can try to give him water?

I'd ask the wildlife center what you can do for the poor thing. Glad that you are going to take it in.

 

[wodesorel]

Agreed, talk with the wildlife center. Feed or water a baby like this the wrong way and it ends up in their lungs instead.

 

[emmysjj]

Could I offer it a dish of water under supervision?

 

[RedLoredAmazon]

No, not to be mean, but that would be like giving an infant a glass of water to drink. Are you able to contact a local vet? Or the wildlife center and see what their advice is?

 

[emmysjj]

I can't call again, it’s storming. UGH
Not offended at all!

 

[Rtessy]

Good job looking after the little guy, I hope it goes well for you!

 

[FlipFlopFishFlake]

KMR milk replacement is a milk that you can feed baby rabbits, you can actually buy it at petsmart if I recall.

 

[emmysjj]

I woke up, he's serverly dehydrated. What do I do?

 

[RedLoredAmazon]

Take him to a vet as it will probably need to be rehydrated by I.V.

 

[maggie thecat]

If you can get him to drink from a bottle give it KMR. Just like you would a kitten. If it won't drink then a vet needs to intervene. They can give fluids. They can also tube feed it.

 

[emmysjj]

We took him to my local animal refuge and he's going to be ok. Thank you all so much!

 

[Goldiemom]

I found a nest of babies once at my barn. I read that the mom only comes around at dusk so as not to alert any predators that the babies are there.

 

[emmysjj]

I found a nest of babies once at my barn. I read that the mom only comes around at dusk so as not to alert any predators that the babies are there.

I looked for a nest but no sign, also he was in the same area as the night before.

I just want to say that I will let everyone know what happens to him. He will either be raised by professionals, then released, or kept in one of their spacious enclosures. I'll update <3

 

[Goldiemom]

A bird or something could have picked him up and dropped him there too. Your dog didn't get the mother, did it. My dog, as sweet as he is, actually killed our neighbors cat. I couldn't believe it.

 

[emmysjj]

My dog snagged an adult rabbit last year and it unfortunitly passed. I think my dog may have carried him from somewhere, but I couldn't find a nest. I did warn my dad though, to look out for them and be careful when he mowes the grass (underground nests).

Also to answer your question, I didn't see her get the mom, and we also closed the gate since.