Bunnies??

[RamiS]

Hi everyone -

So last night I was driving home, saw this cat chasing something small, thought it was a bird but then got close and it was a bunny. I know nothing about them so I need some help if anyone has any background. what concerened me was that the bunny was sitting very close to the cat and would just move a few steps each time the cat got closer but I think had I not gotten there in time he would have eaten him/her.

I am not sure if this bunny is at the age where I can just put him back where I found him/her given that the cat is not around or should I take him/her to a wildlife center? Iv'e had him/her in a box with a small bowl of water in a dark room since yesterday night.

[Mel1959]

According to the Wild Mammal Baby book when bunnies are 22-28 days old or roughly 100-210gr they are old enough for release. They have very sensitive systems and stress very easily. It’s hard to judge the size from the picture, but it looks to be old enough to be on its own.

[RamiS]

Thank you Mel. I decided to take him to the wildcare oklahoma center. Just to be sure and be on the safe side.

[Mel1959]

That’s good. They’ll know what’s best for him. Thank you for saving him.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Wish I caught this thread earlier.........

if bunny is 4 weeks old, it needs its mommy. At this age, nursing tails off. Hard to tell from picture age but looks older than 4 weeks. What's important is if the bunny is wild or house raised. From what you say, bunny did not sense cat was a threat. That's not normal for a wild rabbit. I wonder if someone in the found area is missing a bunny ??

At this point its moot since bunny is at Wildlife Center. Thank you Rami for saving bunny!

(My other volunteer work is on Okunoshima (Rabbit Island) Japan where there are hundreds of rabbits that have no access medical care.)

Thank you again, Rami......

Mr.SSG

[RamiS]

I still have him here, I have to drop him off at the local shelter by 5 pm today so wildcare oklahoma can pick him up from the shelter and take him back to their facility which is about an hour away. so the little one is going to have to ensure some stress before getting to safety. I did go out a few times and walked around where I found him to see if I can see mom or see a nest, but nothing. and the area has a lot of dogs, cats. Some said to just release him, then I called wildcare and the lady said dont give him water, just pick some grass and put some in the box which I did. He is almost the size of a tennis ball.

[supersquirrelgirl]

size of tennis ball ?? Wow, picture makes him look bigger.

tennis ball size with fur and eyes wide open is around 4 weeks. He would just be of age to venture out of nest.

He is probably scared stiff with no experience. Highly doubt you will find momma and/or nest in the wild.

Any signs of injury ?? You might be the first human encounter. Keep environment calm & quiet. Soft talking is ok.

With this situation, Wildlife Center is best option. No way to put back with dogs & cats around.

Rami, you really save this bunny's life! Thank you for stopping to check.

[RamiS]

We will be heading out soon, I am sure he is very scared and it will be a long journey for him today, but there is light at the end of the tunnel

[supersquirrelgirl]

small piece of apple or strawberry. Food always reduces stress.

anything to reduce stress as young rabbits have capability for capture shock (myopathy) when they feel captured.

Best of luck and Thank You again!!

[supersquirrelgirl]

Rami,

If I may ask, how did it go ??

You were in the right place at the right time to save this rabbit. You are blessed. (Thank you Moby!!)

Mr.SSG

[BigNibbler]

Status? What happened ?

[BigNibbler]

Status? What happened ?

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