Baby Bunny with Lame Hind Leg

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

Hi all!

Our backyard, or the yards around us, seem to be a haven for injured animals. Today, husband found a baby bunny that wouldn't move while he was mowing. He was worried it was the same issue the chipmunk had, but because it wasn't moving (it was alert and sitting up) I'm inclined to believe it's not the same issue.

He asked me to check on it when I got home from work (he's at work now, and I got home at about 7:45pm tonight). It had moved from where he last saw it, but when I went near it, it did not move or run. I grabbed by gloves and went to see how it was...it tried to hop, but its back leg seemed to drag behind it. I scooped it up and immediately regretted it, I feel it's such a dumb move. It started crying out in fear and (here's the good news) MAMA CAME RUNNING. She stopped in the next yard, so I put the baby back down and went back inside to watch. Mama did not come get baby and I think that's all my fault.

I want to go back out and check on the baby and make sure Mama got it. But with the leg issue, and the fact that Mama left it for so long alone in our yard, I'm afraid the baby is still out there and is a sitting duck for cats or hawks tonight.

So...what should I do? I want to help it so bad, but I have to keep reminding myself that I am not a professional. If I were to try to bring it in, it may cry out all night (I'm pretty sure Lulu-Bean and the chippy heard it too, because LLB was ON EDGE and did not want to come by me when I brought in her dinner). If I need to bring it in for the night, is there someone in the midwest that I can take it (and potentially the chippy, if that's determined to be a good fit) or meet someone at a halfway point this weekend?

I am so happy to keep trying with the chippy, but I feel like I'm pushing my luck with both of the animals. I will do whatever I can to keep helping the wildlife around me, and hopefully someday soon I can become licensed. Until then...help?

(Also if an admin doesn't deem this life threatening, I'm sorry! Please move to an appropriate thread).

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

Went out to check, but DID NOT GET CLOSE.

Baby is where I left it. In a typical bunny bunch, and breathing heavily. Mama is still nearby in the next yard, but not near the baby.

It's going to rain tonight, and I don't have anything that they could take shelter in. Maybe a cardboard box, fleece, and some veggies near the closest tree?

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

Update:

it started to rain, and the mother was no where in sight. The baby had made its way closer to the porch, but was on its side as if it ran out of energy :sadness

So I did the only thing I could think to do...I got it in a box with fleece and brought it inside. It didn't cry, and it didn't struggle, so I'm really worried now.

It's currently sharing a room with the chippy. I used Lulu's last spare, smaller cage (that isn't the parrot cage). It's a dog kennel that fits dogs the size of bulldogs that I had modified so she couldn't get out when she was smaller. The chippy was not pleased to give up her heating pad. The little bun is in fleece, in a box in the cage, with the heating pad under half the box. I tried to give some Pedialyte and the little bun really didn't want it. Aside from seeming dehydrated (just looking at the spikey fur) and the one back leg that seems to be dragging, it seems a little lethargic and tired.

I went on the Wisconsin DNR site and emailed a personal who is near my area and listed as a rehabber. Hoping to get the little bun and, unfortunately, possibly chippy over to her this weekend if she responds. I love these little babies, but they need the best chance. And I came home late from work every night this week and really shouldn't take in every injured animal my husband finds.

Likely another sleepless night, trying to make sure the little bun has a fighting chance tonight.

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

Hi all,

Sad news on this one. The baby bun died around midnight on the 24th. It didn't surprise me, but it was still difficult and I stayed pretty quiet yesterday as a result.

I buried it in the yard near the hostas, and near where we found it. At least it was safe, warm, and dry when it passed.

[cava]

Thanks for trying. The universe knows you have a kind heart. And now you have the eyes to see all of the ones who need help. Don't be surprised if they show up in your path more and more. :blowkiss