26/06/2021
Please read!!! ♥️🐰♥️
The forecast of rain for the next several days is unfortunately lining up with the forecast of baby bunny litters! Mom cottontails can have several litters a season and we are seeing more come in as well as an increase of callers concerned about flooded nests. Here's what you can try:
1. Get a small box lined with a towel to place babies in. Putting them half on a heating pad set to low is helpful, but even just somewhere warmer will help them to dry off.
2. Inspect the nest area. Often there isn’t much to a bunny nest, but try to save and spread out any nesting material like grasses or fur to dry. Sop up excess water in the nest in low areas and let some time elapse for the water to recede.
3. Finally, put the babies back before dusk. Mom will be looking for the babies come dusk.
WHAT NOT TO DO:
1. Do not relocate the nest far from the original location of the nest. Mom will not be able to find her babies.
2. Do not provide any food or water to the babies; they only get fed once or twice a day and will be fine until mom gets to them later that night.
If more rain is in the forecast, covering the nest with an umbrella, laundry basket, or something with a roof during the rain will keep them drier.
Cottontails are difficult to rehab successfully so we always suggest trying this before they are brought to a licensed rehabber. Their chances of survival are always better in their natural setting with mom.
Thanks for all the concern for these wild babies!
