there were three babies altogether but the mother only took one back. ive kept the other two and the let me pet them but they arent very socialable. ive had them for about 7 or 8 monthsnow and its too late to release them now. sources say they wouldnt survive because now theyre used to captivity. They're doing fine and are very healthy but how can give them a more comfortable environment?
2006-09-22 10:16:25 · 11 answers · asked by Minnie 3 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
hi there, oh i know just where your coming from i have 3 wild ones, the best thing is have a bige cage and fill it with bunny houses and tubes for them and different chew toys. Also go in a closed off space where they can't hind and just sit with them let them come to you it will take time and alot of trying but they will come around also hand feed them this way they will know that they can trust you. good luck
2006-09-22 10:22:38 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
I would let them go too. Since they were wild they will instinctively know how to take care of themselves. Mother rabbits only nurse their young once a day and for a few minutes at a time. The rest of the time the Mom stays away from the babies. After 2 weeks or so, once they have fur and their eyes are open, they begin to nibble on grasses themselves. Your two bunnies will be going thru puberty very soon and they will either mate with each other if of opposite sexes (and bunnies can have a new litter every 31 days) unless you keep them apart at all times. If they are two males they will fight and very often, if they are two females and unspayed, they will fight as well. I had two female domesticated bunnies and they were the best of friends until about 7-8 months old then they went thru puberty and I had to separate them as all they did was fight. I had them spayed and after several months and careful re-introduction they are again good friends and can leave peacefully together.
Rabbits are naturally nervous and shy animals and will hide and shy away. I think since yours were wild animals and you took them in - they would easily adapt to the wild again. Rabbits eat a variety of grasses and greens which are readily available in the wild - just make sure they have hiding places (bushes, long grasses - somewhere to hide from predators).
Good luck with your decision.
2006-09-22 18:00:18 · answer #2 · answered by Lightning 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First
You dont say if they are indoors or out, what they eat, how humanized they are, etc.. or if you live in a cold climate.
Instincts are not alone enough for survival when a baby is taken into a domestic setting very young...
This varies from animal to animal of course...
I will say that Originally....
If they were old enough to survive without momma wh en she left them then they should have been left on thier own then.
Baby bunnies are out and on thier own very young and do fine..
Folks see them and they are small so they assume its all bad..
Now you have issues because they are humanized ( used to humans) and prob dependant on you for much of thier needs.
Now that you have had them for so long it does make a difference.
There is a difference between Humanized and tame mind you..
First...
You should know that in all 50 states wild non domestic animals are protected and its againstt he law in most to have them as pets..... You can however in some states get permits to keep them.... so check your area
Now for care,... I would call a animal rehab center or other wildlife center.
I will caution you though, that it may be hard for youto get advice if you tell them they are wild or were wild.. as its against the rules to do so...
If you have them in your home.. and its not cold out put them out in a fenced yard or safe area..kennel etc..
Remeber bunnies chew and can get out of a lot
If you are going to keep them, you should at the very least take in a stool sample from each to a vet and have it tested for parasites and other yummy things that are common to rabbits and can pass to humans. If you plan to keep this is a MUST DO!
Also be sure that you are feeding them a basic rabbit chow an not over doing the veges
They will eat what they want give fresh food daily and change water at least 2x day..
You can also feel out a local vet and take th em in to be checked and get advice... but again if you tell him or her they were wild.. they may not treat them or probalby even talk to you about them.
If there is no way you are giving them to a sanctuary then get he VET check and you may have to tell them they were a gift and you dont know what kind of bunny they are.
Also note rabbits are social and like company so the fact you have 2 is good... however if they are male, female.... look out you will have more... ask the vet about neutering/spaying.
Hope it helps
Good Luck...
You could also check sanctuaries... they may give advicec as well...
Wismom
2006-09-22 18:52:31 · answer #3 · answered by Wismom 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I agree with the other posters here. These rabbits need to be released back to the wild ASAP for their own health and safety. Wild rabbits have too many different needs both physically (like housing for them and food), and mentally (they need as much space as possible). The best thing you can do is contact your local humane society and ask for the name and phone number of a local wildlife rehabilitator who is experienced with rabbits. This person will know the best place and process for releasing these guys back into the wild so that they have the best chances for survival.
2006-09-22 18:10:31 · answer #4 · answered by Kellye B 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Keep them in your yard....if they do leave, then nature will take over. I have a rabbit that's roaming free in my yard. Dig a hole in the ground...that should give them an idea on how to be wild again.
2006-09-22 19:04:50 · answer #5 · answered by justmemimi 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think you should let them go my aunt is in wild animal rescue and has had many rabbits with injury or babies hand raised and they always do fine when released. she also says you need to let them free. she suggest you take them to a forest preserve .
2006-09-22 17:22:23 · answer #6 · answered by rose45 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I know-let them back in the wild!
2006-09-22 18:59:23 · answer #7 · answered by genevievepichler 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They will be fine in the wild. They have natural instincts.
2006-09-22 17:24:35 · answer #8 · answered by Fleur de Lis 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Let them loose in the forest
either that or a nice slow simmer with some vegetables and noodles
2006-09-22 17:18:06 · answer #9 · answered by alphawolf38 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
it's not nice to fool mother nature
2006-09-22 17:33:41 · answer #10 · answered by acid tongue 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋