Found a wild baby rabbit, when to release him back?

Question

We rescued a wild baby rabbit on Saturday who's nest had been destroyed due to dogs and the mother is no where to be found (we looked at appropriate times, tracks, etc). The other babies in the nest are gone/died, only one survivor. I think he's a cottontail and his eyes are still closed. We nursed it back to health, and now it's becoming mobile, with his eyes closed. He explores a secure area we have for him, and always comes back to his "nest". Very friendly, does not seem stressed at all (no shakes and doesn't cry). I can't get a hold of area rehabilitators. He's doing quite well and I have researched A LOT on the care for this lil guy. Just wondering, if he makes it and I still can't get a hold of a professional, when do I release him back into the wild? Do I have to do it in a specific place? I was thinking of a state park, is that illegal? I know that I cannot keep him, but I don't want him to die. Any info would help. SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY.

Edit: I live in Texas and I'm not sure of the laws here. He's doing fine with food and eliminating and he's got energy (not stressed). I've called numerous vets and rehabbers, left msgs and emails. So, yes, I am trying my best to get a hold of someone.

That's a myth that the mother will reject them, now that a human's scent is on them. But the mother is no longer in the picture.

Answer 1

he might not ever be able to be "released" as you now have tamed him and handled him so the stuff his mom would have taught him will be gone and he will be eaten by preditors....

I would take it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator keep looking or call the humane society they will have a list also..... wild rabbits are hard to keep alive.......good luck

you can do a search for one in your area or you can call your local vet and they usually have phone numbers....smile

here are some sites if you cant find a rehabilitator but I would definately go to them first.. the chances of survival is not good if you keep it:

http://www.hopperhome.com/wild_bunnies.htm
http://www.2ndchance.info/bunnies.htm
http://www.rescuedrabbits.org/
http://www.debmark.com/rabbits/faq/wild.htm
http://www.ntrs.org/wild.htm

edit: did some more research.. you were right about mom rejecting them :http://www.animalconnectiontx.org/wildrabbits.htm

you might just have a new rabbit...if he is doing good...but check with the aspca regarding the laws.. they would know if its OK.... but he is now used to people and your surroundings so he would not have a fair chance of survival....but good job for saving him...smile...good luck

EDIT EDIT:here are some rehabilitators I found in texas....:
http://www.rescuedrabbits.org/
http://www.rainbowwildlife.com/
http://www.rabbitresource.org/library/wildrabbits/index.html
http://www.iwrc-online.org/kids/Tours/twrc.htm
http://www.frankfordcrestpets.com/So%20you%20found%20a%20wild%20animal.htm
http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html

Answer 2

Where do you live? I worked in Wildlife Rehab through our local SPCA quite a few years ago. I'd try your local SPCA or call a vet and see where there is a wildlife rehaber. You can get in big trouble for doing what you are doing without a license or a piece of paper like I had that states that you are under the guidance of a licensed rehaber. It sounds as though you are doing a good job with the bunny however. They are hard to keep alive. That was the first thing I was told. They can be released smaller than you would think. But of course, not until his eyes are fully open and he has a nice coat of fur.

Answer 3

You can release a wild rabbit at 4 weeks. That is the age that the mother would leave it to fend for itself. They open their eyes at 9 - 10 days. So assume that when he opens his eyes and count from there.
Do not handle him too much, that will stress him (The stress will become more apparent as he grows up.) And you do not want him to become used to people. It could be dangerous for him when you release him.

Answer 4

i have came across many wild baby rabbits and tried to nurse them back to health or keep them alive it is hard i felt i was the only one failing but when i talked to the rescue centre here in our area the told me that is normal because they need some kind of special nutrient found in their mothers milk that is not in the one that we can get in the pet store so good for you for researching and keeping this little one alive i do know of one success story with our native jack rabbit here in Antioch ca unfortunately they can not release him back to the wild due to the fact that he is to trusting with humans and dogs and that can be very dangerous for him he has made a home in their fenced in back yard if you have the room and area let him grow up in your care and let him live in your back yard he should be fine and that is a good way you can assure him a healthy safe life

good luck

Answer 5

Keep trying to find a wildlife rescue place. I had a friend rescue one like that, it ended up dying because they couldn't find the proper milk to feed it. Think they used cat/kitten milk, which is obviously formulated for cats. One problem your rabbit will have, the rabbit hasn't had any "training" from momma on how to hide from predators. I'm not that familiar with wild rabbits, but if it doesn't know how to hide from a hawk or dog, it probably won't make it in the wild. That's their main defense, is hiding. Good luck!!

Answer 6

I would think that once the baby's eyes are open and he's eating on his own and mobile he should be ok to release. I would also check out the forums on www.petpeoplesplace.com. They have been invaluable to me in the past.

Answer 7

In some states its illegal to transport wildlife, but I would bottle feed it, make sure it has foridge such as clover, grass e.t.c. When it drinks and eats on its own, its ready to be let go. Good Luck!

Answer 8

I dont know why you cant keep him? more than likely he's going to be too friendly & used to human/your smell so why not give the little fella a chance/option no doubt he'll wanna stay with his new mum! wouldn't you??!! X

Answer 9

have you called your local wild life authority. they should be able to get ahold of someone right away to take him. if not once he knows how to find food for himself. take him out in the yard and hide it in places.