Hi, newmom!! Welcome to the forum!!
First and foremost, I have to tell you that I think it's
wonderfulthat you decided to take this little cutie into your life andhome. Unfortunately, there are all too few people in thisworld that would attempt it, but we're happy to say that this forum isFULL of the ones that do! Just about everyone on here hasrescued a bun at one time or another, and really thinks you're a truegem for having done so, as well!! There should be more peoplelike you on this planet!!
So, many many kudos toyou!!
I also want to send love and hugs to your new baby...sounds like he/shecertainly needed a new home and a loving family to take herin. I find myself appalled that they would leave her outsidewhen winter's just starting up. Poor baby...I'm so glad youcame along to give her a home. What a lucky girl (or boy)!!!
You certainly found the right place to get data on bunnies!!There's so much data on this site, it seems just about impossiblesometimes to be able to read it all. Heck, I've been on thesite almost a year, and haven't even gotten through HALF ofit!
This is the best site I've found forresearching and learning about rabbits...I'm so glad you foundus!!
We'd love to see some pictures of your new bunny friend...but at thesame time I know it's taking all your energy to make sure he/she'sdoing okay.
My suggestion, in having rescued a bun in quite a similiar situation,is to first off give her water and unlimited Timothy hay. Thehay will help her work through whatever they might have been feedingher before (which, let's face it, having dumped her off somewhere inthe beginning of winter, it couldn't have been anything muchgood). Then in a few days, I would start her on some pelletfood, but only if she's got nice, solid (not mushy) poop.
Also, I recommend taking her in to see a vet (or at least a VERYwell-knowledged shelter) as soon as possible. (I recommendthe vet, personally, but when I found my Flower, it was a Sunday, andno one was open, so I had to take her to a VERY knowledgableshelter.) As far as the vet, you can let them know that she'san unexpected addition to the household, and see if they will let yoube billed for the visit and pay a little at a time.
What condition is your new bun friend in? I know it'sprobably hard to tell due to the black fur, but does her fur lookurine-soaked (yellow-tinged)? Does she look malnourished atall? Just how does she look overall?
Anyway, you can PM me the answers to all that, but I definitely recommend a vet visit as soon as you can.
Again, many hugs and much love to you (and yours) for having donethat. That's wonderful!
I'm sure,given that you're clearly an animal lover and have quite a few animalfriends already, this little bun will fit right in!
If you need ANYTHING please feel absolutely free to either PM me, orpost a topic asking what you need help about. We are all herefor you and your new friend!!
Love and hugs,
Rosie*
P.S. Here are the two threads I posted regarding my bringinghome Flower. I think they'll help you a bit in knowing whatto do initially.
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=13337&forum_id=1
http://rabbitsonline.net/view_topic.php?id=13357&forum_id=1
Hope those help!