Question:

Hi BugetBunny.

I found a young bunny out in the yard, I think it is old enough to leave it’s mother but I’m not sure. The mother or the nest was not any where near where the bunny was. The bunny is very sweet and all but I am not sure what to feed her. She does not seem to want to eat pellets or hay. Every time I try to feed her she puts her head in a corner.

What do I do?!

C

Answer:

Hi C,

Mom bunnies leave their babies for most of the day and you’ll see very young ones out on their own. The Mom will probably be nearby. She’s wild so you shouldn’t be feeding her or trying to give her water and it is best to leave her alone. If the baby rabbit’s eyes are not open then chances are she’s come up from the nest which is most likely close by and Mom will bring her back to the nest when she returns at dusk. If bunny seems alert and has her eyes open then she is old enough to be out and about with Mama Bun. In that case Mom is most likely close by or baby is waiting for her to come back. In the meantime, you can keep a close eye on her from a distance to make sure predators don’t get her if that’s what you’re concerned about – perhaps from a window – as Mama Bun is unlikely to come around if you’re present. If you are truly concerned that she is really not doing well I would contact your closest wildlife rehab or vet for suggestions. They may want to pick her up and bring her somewhere to be rehabilitated and later released in to the wild.