Rabbits: Emergency Care

Baby rabbits may seem to need your help but if they have their eyes open, ears up and are about 4 inches long they are fine on their own and do not need your help. Rabbits are weaned and independent at 4 weeks of age. If your baby is not that old here is what you need to do until you can locate a wildlife rehabilitator.

Does the baby rabbit have its eyes still closed?

Keep this baby warm and do not hold unless you are feeding. Baby rabbits only eat twice a day. Feed the baby warm pedialyte for the first 24 hours only twice a day and not through the night. Use an eyedropper and feed one drop at a time to make sure the baby swallows. Do not feed baby on its back keep upright or on its tummy. Feed until the tummy is full but not tight. After the baby is done eating take a warm, damp cloth and rub the tummy until it goes to the bathroom. What goes in must come out.

Keep the baby in a warm, dark, quiet place. Make a nest for the baby out of grass and old linens. Make sure to keep all other animals and people away from the baby because baby rabbits will die from shock very easily.

Does the baby rabbit have its eyes open?

If the baby has its eyes open try putting in some grass or clover. Do not put in water, rabbits get all their water from the grass. If your baby does not eat, follow the directions above for smaller babies.

Keep the baby in a quiet, warm place, with a lid. These little ones can jump. Do not hold these babies, they can die from the shock.

This information is just for emergency purposes until you contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

If you cannot locate a rehabber in your area please contact your conservation office, vet clinic, humane society, animal shelter, or use Wildlife International's Rehab Search. If you are still having trouble please contact Symbiotic Wildlife Rehabilitation Society for more information.