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BUNNY 911 – If your rabbit hasn’t eaten or pooped in 12-24 hours, call a vet immediately!  Don’t have a vet? Check out VET RESOURCES 

The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum THE LOUNGE Wild Rabbit In Yard?

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    • pinknfwuffy
      Participant
      660 posts Send Private Message

        Hi everyone, I am posting this on behalf of my parents who live a few hours away. They noticed a wild cottontail rabbit in the yard a few weeks ago. Since then it has appeared quite regularly and seems to have taken up living in a patch of tall grass. My father had mowed the lawn but noticed that the rabbit had been favoring that spot, so he left a 10 sq. foot patch un-mowed around that area. They don’t mind having the bunny around but, unfortunately, our family dog is prone to chase any little critters, from squirrels to birds. (She clearly isn’t very good at it–hasn’t caught anything in 12 years). The rabbit appears young by way of being small (probably a teenager), but as we all know that can be deceiving.

        Besides not letting the dog out and steering clear of the grass patch, is there anything else that can be done to protect this little one? They’d like to prevent any tampering or disruption of the habitat but the bun is clearly attracted to their garden. Herbs galore! It should be noted they live in a residential area close to busy roads and less-than-ideal rabbit conditions. I told them they did the right thing so far and to leave everything be (while keeping close eye on the situation). Any thoughts?


      • LBJ10
        Moderator
        16869 posts Send Private Message

          Is there anything nearby that he could use as shelter? Bushes, shed, wood pile, etc? It depends on the individual, but I’ve had wild cottontails sit in the yard while the dog was outside. They seem to understand that she is old and can’t chase after them. I suppose if your dog is likely to chase them, it would be nice for them to have somewhere they could hide.


        • jerseygirl
          Moderator
          22338 posts Send Private Message

            I only learnt last week that cottontails have quite shallow nests! I saw amazing video on facebook page of a mama standing over the nest as they fed.
            This page is full of absolutely fantastic photos and videos of cottontail living in a garden.
            Looks like there is 2 feeding videos up now. 

            http://www.facebook.com/Misterthebunny/


          • pinknfwuffy
            Participant
            660 posts Send Private Message

              Thank you both! Great idea, LBJ. I will ask them about that. I’m sure my dad would be happy to set up a pile of wood and branches if there isn’t one already. I know a tree fell down recently and he needed a good use for some of the leftover wood. And thanks jerseygirl, what a great resource. I’m going to forward it to them as well. How interesting!


            • LBJ10
              Moderator
              16869 posts Send Private Message

                Yep Jersey, cottontails will dig a shallow bowl under a bush or other vegetation if there isn’t a more suitable shelter available. Of course, if there is something more substantial they can use (like underneath a shed, porch, or other structure) then they will.

                pnknfwuffy – I think a wood pile would be a great idea!

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            Forum THE LOUNGE Wild Rabbit In Yard?