How to care for an injured baby bunny I found in my backyard?

Oh no! I'm sorry to hear about your situation - that's pretty rough. It is very kind of you to worry about a poor bunny when you are having problems of your own. Depending on the depth of the wound, how old it is, and how dirty it is, it may not require any therapy or possible could require closure and systemic drugs. If going to the vet is out of the question, I would simply do your best to keep the area clean. If possible, clip all the hair that is surrounding the wound to promote sterility as best as possible. If Sweet Pea is capable of scratching at or licking at the affected area, he will need to be fit with a collar or covering device to prevent self-mutilation. Lastly, you can try to obtain some some triple antibiotic ointment, possibly one with a steroidal component, to help with healing and itchiness. If things do not seem to heal or there are obvious signs of infection, you will need to find a way to obtain veterinary assistance. Infections in rabbits can spiral out of control very quickly so keep a close eye out for discharge, heat, pain, or inflammation surrounding the lesion.

It sounds as if this bunny has a very serious injury and is in critical condition. I would recommend taking it to a veterinarian as soon as possible so it can get appropriate treatment. This does not sound like an injury you can treat at home. Even if you are not able to afford its care I’m sure any vet’s office would be willing to see if they can help it if you are willing to relinquish it. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach. He is pretty small but definitely not a newborn. He looks like a Dutch. They are usually weaned from the mother at 4 weeks of age and I think he looks close to that but honestly, it is hard for me to say for sure. That being said, at weaning, it is best to keep all the kits together for a few weeks to minimize stress. I don't think that happened here. I suggest you try bottle feeding some KMR kitten milk replacer and offer some alfalfa hay and some pellets. Once he is an adult you need to stop the alfalfa and use timothy hay or orchard grass hay. Offer all of this and let him choose and see what he eats. Hopefully he will eat something. If he is not interested in eating anything you will need to find a way to get him to the vet sooner. You can get the KMR and bottles at any large pet store (like Petco). Walmart may even have it. I suggest Oxbow hay and pellets. You can usually find them at Petco but you may have to order online. ( https://www.amazon.com/Oxbow-Alfalfa-Hay-15oz/dp/B007SYTRPA/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2I61EPMWJF68F&keywords=oxbow+alfalfa+hay+for+rabbits&qid=1571081976&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=oxbow+alfalfa%2Cpets%2C540&sr=1-2 ) ( https://www.amazon.com/Oxbow-Bunny-Basics-Rabbit-Alfalfa/dp/B001CQGMNA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2FWQ4D9EUDP69&keywords=oxbow+rabbit+food&qid=1571081639&s=pet-supplies&sprefix=oxbow+rabbit%2Cpets%2C156&sr=1-3 ) Hope this helps. Best wishes.

It is very hard to give much advice without seeing the injuries he sustained. It sounds like you did a good job but wild rabbits do not do well in captivity. If there is a wildlife rescue group near you it would be best to take him there so they can give him any medical attention he needs and then release him. If that is not possible, then just continue to do the best you can. As soon as he has strength to be released it is best to do so as soon as possible.

A rabbit as young as Orro should still be with his mother. Bunnies should not be separated until they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will start nibbling solid food at 2 weeks of age but still require mother's milk and nursing. Orro should be examined by a veterinarian experienced in treating rabbits to make sue there is no illness or injury. Follow this link for information regarding the care of domestic bunnies: http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/orphan.html

1/2 Cup evaperated milk 1/2 Cup water 1 egg yolk 1 Tablespoon Corn syrup Kits should be fed every 6 hours for the first 2 weeks, then every eight hours the third week, and every 12 hours on the fourth week. After that the kits should be eating a good amount of solid food, and they should be drinking water. If they seem to be doing well on pelleted food, discontinue the formula. Otherwise, feed once a day until they are six weeks old, or until they to well on solid food. Feed a good quality grass hay starting at four weeks, and do not feed any moist foods such as fruits or veggies.

This may be why the mother rejected it. Orphan rabbits have a poor rate of survival even when healthy. Consider an exam with your veterinarian or an experienced wildlife vet to diagnose infection or injury. In the meantime, keep the bunny warm and continue to feed it. You can read more regarding orphan bunny care here: http://www.2ndchance.info/bunnies.htm