How to Domesticate a Wild Rabbit

The human dominion over animals is arguably the most important event that took place in the history of mankind. Obviously, it brought people food and free labour; however, what is often overlooked about it is companionship. People love animals. And whether you get them from the local pet shop or the backyard, potential household pets surround us. Among these possible partners are rabbits. However, simply scooping a full-grown rabbit from its natural habitat is a very difficult and ethically wrong process. Because of this, people who are interested in making a wild rabbit their own should be on the prowl for orphaned bunnies. Giving abandoned rabbits a place to call home is both simple and rewarding.

Things You'll Need

  • Box
  • Towels
  • 3 ml syringe
  • Washcloth
  • Goat milk
  • Fruit and/or vegetables
  • Cage
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Instructions

    • 1

      Ensure that the rabbit is, indeed, orphaned. You do not want to pry a baby from its mother. To be clear on this, cup it in your hands. If the rabbit's body is giving off any heat whatsoever, the mother has been with it recently, meaning it has not been abandoned. If the rabbit seems cold, though, that means that it has been without its mother for enough time to be considered an orphaned rabbit.

      Although, you certainly have to be careful with this step. It is possible for your human scent to scare off the mother rabbit permanently. Because of this, it is wise to monitor the baby rabbit for 24 hours before picking it up. Mothers will always return to feed and nurse their offspring twice in a day's time -- once in the morning and once in the evening.

    • 2

      Place the rabbit in a box lined with clean towels and put it in a dark room that has a steady temperature of 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit once you have confirmed its abandonment.

    • 3

      Bring the rabbit's temperature back to normal by gently patting it down with a warm wet wash cloth.

    • 4

      Feed the rabbit regular goat milk using a 3 ml-syringe. Begin with a few drops, because overfeeding can be fatal, as it can often result in an incurable intestinal disease. Feed it twice daily. After about three to four weeks, begin gradually introducing your rabbit to fresh fruits and vegetables until they become a staple of your rabbit's diet. Because you now serve as the abandoned rabbit's mother figure, trust will typically begin forming after a few feeds.

    • 5

      Adjust the rabbit to different light and temperature settings at a very slow pace. It usually takes them three to four weeks to become fully domesticated, and sometimes longer.