Wild baby rabbits, need help!

[justswim208]

So my gf's dog decided to dig up a bunny nest and luckily I was able to save them before her dog had kits for a snack. When we first found them, I put hay over them to try and salvage the dug up hole and about 2 hrs later they were ice cold. We took them in and put them in a shoebox with a heating pad and some hay and paper towels. They survived and we put them back and that night we saw mom rabbit hopping away and kept them out there. The next night it was drizzling and cold and when I checked on them, they were again freezing. Unfortunately, one of them died :bawl: We took them in for the night and the other was alive in the morning. We got some KMR and fed it last night and this morning.

I have a few questions and would love any feedback. (I know I should contact a rehabber but I have read all sorts of stuff like the kit won't make it at a rehabber or at a vet. My gf is a CVT.) I have done my fair share of research on rearing wild kits (I have a lot of free time). Does anyone have any experience in rearing wild kits? I just checked its feces and it seems rather large in comparison to what it was defecating before and I'm afraid it will have diarrhea. What formulas to use? I don't have access to cecotropes. How much to feed and how often? (I read from 2-4 times a day bc the KMR isn't as fatty and will digest faster). I also read to use pedialyte? Also, today is much warmer than it has been, should I try to put it back and see if mom will come or has it been too long and she thinks they're gone?

 

[PaGal]

I'm no expert but have read that keeping wild kits alive is very difficult. I would think the best place for them if not with the mom would be with a wildlife rehabilitator.

Typically a mom will only feed the kits twice a day, in the morning and the evening. I would think that if you put them back the mom would take care of them. Although they may spend most of the day outside foraging they do go back to their burrows.

Hopefully someone more experience and knowledge will come along.

Are the eyes open?

 

[HototMama]

it is very hard to keep them alive. you might look for a wild life rescue or find a rabbit breeder that will foster the kits for you. that will be their best chance.

 

[Devi]

I have had success raising wild rabbit kits. I used a mix of the KMR and goats milk. 3 feedings a day Morning, early evening and one before I went to bed.

 

[justswim208]

The eyes are not open. I think it's right around week old.

 

[Happi Bun]

Rehabbers specialize in raising wild animals... So I really don't think your odds at success would be any better. Wild bunnies are very fragile and notoriously difficult to raise. They will have the best chance with someone experienced. Not to mention at a Wildlife Rehab Center there is a better chance of being released when they are old enough.