You found a rabbit that looks to have been abandoned (dumped) by its previous owner. You want to help, so you take him home. What next? Rabbits are cute, look very cuddly and should be fed lots of carrots, right?
Uhm…no. But the cute part is right!
To help you navigate this situation, let’s discuss some rabbit basics. For our fun and entertaining book on how to safely and properly care for pet rabbits, CLICK HERE.
What To Feed Him
The first thing most people want to do is see that cute little mouth chewing something that seems to make him (or her) happy. You don’t want to do that. You want to do what is best for this displaced animal. Feeding rabbits, especially one in this situation, is immensely important. What you do next could determine whether this rabbit lives, or dies, in your care.
Domesticated rabbits have very fragile digestive systems. If you feed them improperly, a series of cascading health events take place. Improper feeding will likely result in a high emergency veterinary bill or even death. This can easily be avoided by following a few feeding basics right from the start.
No Treats
Treats are a no-no in a rescue situation. The prior diet is unknown and so, the rabbit needs unlimited fresh hay and water. A small amount of high quality pellets can also be provided, but no greens for the first few days (or longer, depending on the rabbit’s condition upon arrival). The digestive system needs time to adjust.
Carrots fall into the category of treats for rabbits. They are too high in sugar and can also cause diarrhea, which is a death sentence for rabbits if not handled immediately.
Rabbits are herbivores. They should never be fed processed foods, dairy or meat products or cat/dog foods or treats.
Handle With Care
When a cute, furry friend comes into our care, we so much want to hold them and we might even think that is best for the animal. In the case of a rabbit, it is most definitely not best. Unless you are experienced with safe handling, it is best to have a hands-off policy, especially in this situation.
Rabbits are prey animals and remain very quiet when injured, sick or fearful. You do not know this animal’s history. Also, because of their base nature, most rabbits do not feel safe being picked up or held. They should never be chased or placed in areas where dogs, cats or other pets can access them unless someone with expertise has formally introduced and bonded them.
A rabbit’s spine is very fragile. In fact, rabbits can easily break their own spines when they twist, wiggle and try to get free when someone is not trained in holding them. It is also important not to allow children to play with the rabbit. Small children have an energy which can terrify a prey animal like a rabbit. This rabbit is already stressed out. It’s best to let the kiddos observe from a distance…for now. Ask them to keep voices low and the environment calm.
Some Final Basics
Keep the rabbit away from other animals and protect him from loud and sudden noises.
Regardless information that may suggest otherwise, rabbits can literally be startled or scared to death.
- Put him in a large enclosure, cage or animal crate. If possible, use one that is at least five or six times the size of the animal when it is all stretched out. It should be able to accommodate a litter box and something for water which the rabbit cannot tip over. Make sure you put plenty of fresh hay in the litter box.
- If you only have a smaller cage which is not large enough for a litter box, it can be used short term. Be sure to line the bottom of the cage with newspaper and add plenty of hay on top. Don’t forget fresh water.
- Unless your home is completely rabbit-proofed, do not let him roam free without supervision. Rabbits are chewers by nature and will destroy many things. They can also burn their mouths from chewing electrical cords. Chewing the wrong cord could be fatal.
- Once the animal is in his enclosure, check Facebook for “Lost Pet Listing” pages for your hometown and neighboring towns.
- Call a local rescue shelter facility, rabbit haven, domestic rabbit breeder or rabbit-savvy veterinarian to help locate someone who has experience with proper rabbit care if you do not intend to keep him. Some Human Society organizations take in rabbits.
- If you plan on keeping him, educate yourself quickly on best care practices for pet rabbit owners. Know your local lost pet laws so that you don’t have to surrender him later.
- If you are not experienced in rabbit rehabilitation and rehoming, it is best to immediately relinquish the animal to an organization or shelter that has the experience to compassionately care for domesticated rabbits.
