I found a pet rabbit. Any advice?

[sbj405]

I saw a rabbit in my neighbor's yard over the weekend. Thought it looked domesticated, but then he disappeared. Today he was in my front yard when I got home. Walked right up to me. I put a laundry basket over him, he's got some carrots and a little bowl of water. My city animal control wanted me to wait until tomorrow. I have 2 dogs that are very curious about little furry things, so that wouldn't work. My county animal control says it could be several hours. Is there anything else I should do for the little guy until then?

[Lisa0825]

1. Are you turning it over to animal control?

Will they kill it or set it look in a less populated area?

edited: oops, I see you think it is a pet. I hope animal control doesn't have a "few days then kills" type of policy.

[RebelOne]

2. Usually bunnies are adopted out from the animal shelters

very quickly. I have adopted 2 rabbits from my local animal shelter.

[sbj405]

3. That is what I am hoping.

The way he was lounging in the yard, I don't think he'd have made it long with the dogs. Actually, I'm surprised he's been out as long as he has. He seems pretty tame.

[Lorien]

4. Most shelters put rabbits down right away

(if the shelter is crowded) if you check Petfinder.com you may find a rabbit rescue group in your area that could take the little guy.

[Tab]

5. As far as just taking care of it

They don't need a lot.

I saw you gave him a bowl of water. If he insists on overturning it, you'll need to find a water bottle instead, if you can't secure it down.

Just give him an area safe from the dogs, and where he can't hop out. For bedding, either straw or pine wood chips (you can get a compressed bag for like $4). Don't put down cedar chips - they can irritate the eyes.

And if you want, put up some posters in your area. I doubt the bunny wandered very far. They're not like dogs in that regard. Maybe some little kid out there is heartbroken that his bunny got away.

On edit: if it's temporary, you could skip the wood chips and just use newspaper. Longer term, you'd probably prefer chips. And if you want, if you have an finished cardboard paper towel or toilet paper roll, put it in the cage so he has something to chew on, if he's young enough. As for food, they can last a little bit with nothing, or carrots, but too much change in their diet, like any pet, will upset their stomach, so a couple of dollars for bunny food (plain if he'll eat it, Hartz Bountiful if he won't) will work, but if you're only thinking a day or two, I wouldn't bother.

[Beaverhausen]

6. Try this organization - House Rabbit Society

http://www.rabbit.org/

here is a chapter in MD- http://www.rabbitsinthehouse.org/

[japple]

7. You've probably already done this, but please check the lost & found

in the newspaper and look for "Lost Bunny" signs. You might call the vets closest to your house and ask if they have any rabbit patients that have been reported missing. And check with your Animal Control & humane organizations to see if anyone has called inquiring about a lost animal that fits the description of your rabbit. You're doing a good thing. My friend's rabbits love parsley and oats, so if you have any old fashioned oatmeal, he/she would probably like a little bit. Tab's advice sounds quite expert--must've had a bun at one time.

[CottonBear]

8. Local papers usually have free lost and found ads. Place a found ad.

Also, contact your local humane society. Our local shelter takes only cats and other small animals like rabbits and hamsters and ferrets.

Place found rabbit flyers at local markets and other palces with bulletin boards for posting.

[superconnected]

9. This is a rabbit lover using superconnected's account

Good show on rescuing the bun! You are correct in guessing that he (or she) would not last very long if just left outside. The carrot and water are a good start but keep in mind that rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems and need to have hay or at least rabbit or guinea pig pellets soon to keep things moving. There is a world of information available at http://www.rabbit.org/ you will probably want to check out if you end up having the rabbit for more than a day or two.

They generally don't like being picked up but most love being pet, especially around the base of their ears. Rabbits are very easy to potty train and if you have an extra litter box and fill it with shredded newspaper, the bun may get the hint and use it as a toilet. One last idea is to give the rabbit a place to "hide" (and something to chew on). Take a cardboard box and cut a hole big enough to be a doorway. To make the hideout even nicer, add an old towel.

Good luck with the rescue and thanks again for caring enough. Rabbits are wonderful companions and it is heartbreaking to see how many are just turned outside once they have stopped being "cute."