In the summer, when rabbits like to eat grasses and weeds, leave an area of your lawn partially uncut—this allows grass and/or weeds to grow up,[3] X Research source and can also provide a sheltered area for the wild rabbits to eat. If the wild rabbits feel safe in your yard, do not be surprised if they eat grass all day. During the colder months, when rabbits eat more barks and twigs, you can make a small pile of these items in a corner of your yard. [4] X Research source Be aware that placing food in these spots could attract other wild animals to your yard. [5] X Research source
Visit your local pet store or feed store to purchase the hay. Do not spray pesticides in your yard in which you are feeding wild rabbits. The pesticides could make the wild rabbits very sick. [8] X Research source
Look for pellets at your local pet store. If you can approximate the sizes of the wild rabbits, you could ask the staff at the pet store about an adequate amount of pellets to feed the rabbits.
Collard greens (high in vitamin A) Beet greens (the tops, high in vitamin A) Lettuce: Romaine, Red or Green leaf (no iceberg or light colored leaf) Spinach Parsley Basil Mint Bok Choy Dandelion leaves Mustard greens Pea pods (just the pods) Brussels sprouts Swiss chard Broccoli (the leaves and stems) Cilantro Dill The green part of carrots Celery leaves Watercress[11] X Research source Thoroughly rinsed carrot tops are another good vegetable option. [12] X Research source Thoroughly rinse all vegetables to remove pesticides. Although carrots are a very popular food for rabbits, they are high in carbohydrates and should only be fed in small quantities(only half a carrot every other day). [13] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Feed the wild rabbits a smaller amount of carrots than the other vegetables. Do not feed the wild rabbits vegetables that can cause gas or bloating: broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. Since rabbits are unable to pass gas, the buildup of gas in their digestive systems can cause serious health issues and may even be fatal. [14] X Research source Because wild rabbits are not as acclimated to vegetables as domesticated rabbits, introduce them to vegetables slowly. [15] X Research source Try feeding them just one type of vegetable at a time. Begin with only a small amount of a green, and watch for any intestinal issues in your bunny, such as diarrhea or soft stools. [10] Rabbits also have individual likes and dislikes when it comes to taste so if your bunny isn’t interested in a certain vegetable, make note of it and replace it with a vegetable he/she might prefer. Wild rabbits can get diarrhea if they are introduced to new vegetables too quickly. Wild rabbits also enjoy eating clover and watercress. [16] X Research source
For raspberries and blackberries, provide the wild rabbits with the fruit as well as the plant stems and leaves. Bananas and dried fruit are very high in sugar and should be fed only sparingly (even less than the other fruits). Per rabbit, one to two half-inch slices of bananas and two to three pieces of dried fruit would be enough. [19] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Other types of fruit you could feed the wild rabbits include papaya, honeydew melon, and plums (without the pit). However, you may want to stick with the berries, since the rabbits may be more accustomed to eating these in their natural environment.
Wild rabbit mothers nurse for short periods during the night and early dawn, then leave the nest during the day. [20] X Research source Therefore, it would not be surprising if you did not see the mother with her babies during daytime hours. If the babies’ tummies look nice and plump, you can be confident that their mother is caring for them. If you look closely at their bodies, you may be able to see a ‘milk line’ through their skin—evidence of nursing. [21] X Research source If you want to be sure the mother is around, you can place string in a grid pattern over the nest. [22] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source Arrange the string in the evening and check it in the morning. If it is disturbed, then the mother has returned to the nest. Baby wild rabbits who appear cold, weak, dehydrated (loose skin stays tented when you pinch it), or injured are likely orphaned. [23] X Research source Since baby wild rabbits are extremely difficult to rehabilitate and care for,[24] X Research source you should contact a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible. [25] X Research source
Milk replacers are available at your local pet stores. You may be able to find regular goat milk at your local grocery store. If it is not available there, ask the grocer where you can find it. Cow’s milk and human baby formula (Pedialyte) are not recommended for feeding baby wild rabbits. [29] X Research source If the baby wild rabbits are cold prior to you feeding them, warm them up by placing them in a shoebox lined with a clean, soft cloth. Set a heating pad on low and set in a tabletop. Place the shoebox halfway on the heating pad—this will allow the babies to move away from the heat if they become too warm. [30] X Research source
To remove harmful bacteria from the milk or formula, warm them up in the microwave or boil them on the stove. [34] X Research source Cold milk or formula could cause potentially fatal diarrhea in baby wild rabbits. [35] X Research source Keep the feeding area quiet so as not to stress the babies. [36] X Research source One at a time, gently pick up each baby wild rabbit and hold him loosely but firmly in a soft cloth. Tilt his head so that it is higher than his back end and place the syringe near the side or bottom of his mouth—these two actions will prevent him from accidentally inhaling the liquid down into his lungs. [37] X Research source [38] X Research source Do not overfeed the baby wild rabbit. You will know when to stop feeding when his tummy becomes slightly rounded. [39] X Research source Visit the website http://www. orphanedwildlifecare. com/rabbitandhare. htm to know how much to feed, and how often, according the baby wild rabbits’ ages. Make sure to wash your hands before each feeding session. [40] X Research source
