Wild Babies

Baby rabbits stay alone in the nest, usually covered with dry grass and fur for the whole day, mom only returns around dusk and dawn to feed. They also have no scent to protect them; your scent will leave them vulnerable to predation or abandonment. Avoid handling and wear gloves.

At about 3 weeks old, bunnies may only be about the size of a tennis ball, but they are already independent. As long as they hop well, their eyes are open and their ears are erect, they should be left alone.

Babies found out of the nest with closed eyes, sparse or short fur, or with limited mobility, should be returned to the nest once they have been checked for injuries. Look for a nest nearby, if there are other live babies it can be replaced. If you cannot locate the nest, contact us right away.

Nests cannot be relocated, the mother will not find it and her babies will starve. If there is a risk of foot traffic or loose pets disturbing or injuring the babies, keep the nest safe during the day with an over turned and weighted laundry hamper or heavy lawn furniture that blocks access. Make sure you remove the barricade before nightfall to allow mom to feed. The babies will emerge from the nest after about two weeks, spend a few days slowly lingering around, then disperse to find territory and food.

Intact nests should be left alone, unless you find a deceased parent nearby. If you find a nest that’s been disturbed, lightly cover it with the fur patch and natural materials mom used to hide it.

If you suspect the mother is not coming back, lightly cover the nest with a cross-hatch of twigs, yarn or circle the nest with flour. Check for disturbance in about 12-18 hours; if there’s no sign of mom the babies will need rehabilitative care. Remove the babies, following our Wildlife Capture Guide and contact us  or the nearest Authorized Wildlife Custodian for next steps.