I found a super fluff – please help, wild or domestic?

[Found A Bun]

Hello All,  I need some help, desperately trying to figure out what to do.

I can’t tell if this found bun is domestic, a lost pet, a pet the feral cats stole from a neighborhood hutch, a wiggler that got out of an insecure backyard hutch – or if it’s a wild baby that got up on the concrete on its own or with our cats help.

Long story: we have a very large slab of concrete, a hutch in the back with chickens, two feral cats that rule the yard.  There is very little chance there’s a nest in the yard, our cats are really efficient and frequent rat and mouse killers.  Went to let the dog out this morning and the cats were in usual morning position, by the door, waiting for food.  Out in the middle of the slab this little guy was just sitting, hunkered down.  There’s no blood, doesn’t seem wounded, but I’ve got no illusions, our cats are big and mean – if the bun were hopping in the yard or on the concrete, they’d have investigated until it balled up.

I picked it up with a towel, been warming it up.  Eyes open, nose wiggles, now that it’s warm it’s willing to shift around to get comfortable but it’s sleeping and not looking around.

So- can anyone tell if it’s domestic or a wild baby?  At first glance I thought it was a chinchilla, and ran out like “uh oh, got to rescue a lost pet.”  It is *super* soft.  Fluffy body, fluffy feet, so sweet – but could also still be in shock.  I don’t know if I should try to put it in a quiet spot in the neighborhood if wild, or contact a shelter/rescue if domestic.

Please help, trying to figure out what to do next. {EDIT: photos added in by Forum Leader]

[Bam]

Could you get us a photo?
Wild bunnies don’t tend to be super fluffy. Is he chinchilla colored? Wild rabbits are a brown agouti, esp in the summer. Wild cottontail buns often have a white spot on the forehead, but not always.

It’s good that you’re keeping him warm. Offer water. Is he very tiny?

[Q8bunny]

Agreed. I think pictures would help. Either way, it’s a baby in need, so water and warmth like Bam said are good.

[Bam]

How is the bunny doing now?

[jerseygirl]

How darling! Definitely a domestic rabbit.  It’s old enough to eat solid foods too. Grass and hay would be good if you happen to have hay…

[Bam]

Adorable! He looks very domestic. The nose, the fluffiness. Grass, hay, a little bit of rolled oats can be given. Contact a no-kill shelter if you can’t keep him yourself. So adorable!

[Q8bunny]

Squeee! He’s such a cutie! See if you can scrounge up some clean grass if you don’t want to invest in a bag of hay

[tobyluv]

That’s definitely a domestic rabbit. It’s possible that he escaped from a hutch or house, but it’s more likely that he was deliberately put out, so if you were going to try to find his owner, it’s doubtful that anyone would claim him. It’s very fortunate that you got him. A domestic rabbit won’t survive long on its own outside. Hopefully, you can find a rescue that will take him.

[Wick & Fable]

• Have a bowl of water available at all times.
• Feed him a small bowl of veggies (see this site’s list for the acceptable ones); variety is best for nutritional purposes.
• Try and get hay for him. They sell small bags (timothy, orchard, oat) at pet stores. Or, if there’s somewhere where you know there’s safe, pesticide-free and dog pee-free grass, that works as well.
• See if he likes chewing cardboard paper tubes!

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Deleted User]

Also, try not to pick him up with one hand like in that photo. He could potentially freak out and end up breaking his spine if he kicks back too hard. If you have to pick him up, make sure his back paws are supported so he feels safe.

[Author]

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