How to Raise Cottontails

Cottontail rabbits are not domestic pet bunnies; they are wild animals. Most people that raise cottontail rabbits do it because the baby cottontail was abandoned. As a cottontail gets older its behavior may turn unpredictable and they will probably scratch and bite you. It is recommended that cottontail rabbits get released back into the wild as soon as possible. Meanwhile, knowing how to raise cottontails can be helpful should you need to rescue some bunnies.

Things You'll Need

  • Container
  • Heating pad
  • Towels
  • Syringe or eye-dropper
  • Heavy whipping cream or goat's milk
  • Powdered kitten formula
  • Small towel
  • Dark leafy vegetables
  • Carrot tops
  • Parsley
  • Dandelion greens
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Instructions

    • 1

      Make a safe home for the cottontails. Use a cardboard or plastic storage container with fairly high sides, or they may jump out sooner than you expect. Placing old towels on the bottom of the container will keep the bunnies warm and comfortable.

    • 2

      Keep the baby cottontails warm if they are very young and the room temperature is below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a heating pad, turn it to the lowest setting and place this underneath half of the box. Keep the cord out of reach of their teeth. Another way to keep them warm is to fill a soda bottle with hot water and place it under a towel in a manner where it won't roll on the bunnies. You will have to refill the bottle with hot water when it cools off.

    • 3

      Feed the cottontail bunny goat's milk or heavy whipping cream mixed with powdered formula made for kittens. Newborn bunnies should be fed two to three times a day. Feeding them too much can lead to intestinal disease and death. The easiest way to feed the bunnies is with an eyedropper or a syringe. Keep the bunny in an upright position while feeding, so the excess can run out of their mouth if they can't swallow it all. If the bunnies seem lethargic and are not drinking the formula, feed them electrolyte water to prevent dehydration. If the bunny appears to be bloated, you may be feeding them too often and can start to feed them less. Continue with two feedings a day until the bunny is 6 weeks old.

    • 4

      Stimulate the bunny's bottom with a warm washcloth after each feeding, this will encourage them to urinate and defecate. You only need to do this if their eyes are still sealed shut. You can discontinue this if you notice they are eliminating on their own.

    • 5

      Hold the bunny only when you are feeding it if you intend to release it back in the wild. Keep your dogs and cats away from the cottontail, or it will get used to the animals and not feel fearful. This may be harmful to the cottontail when you release it into the wild. If you hope to domesticate a cottontail. then hold it often so that it will get used to human contact.

    • 6

      Feed the bunny hay, dark leafy vegetables, carrot tops, parsley and dandelion greens after you see the bunny's eyes open. Place a small amount in their box and remove whatever is not eaten within an hour. If you intend to keep the cottontail, you can also feed it rabbit pellets.

    • 7
      Adult cottontail

      Release the cottontail rabbit back into the wild as soon as possible, which is around six weeks of age. When the bunny measures approximately 5 inches long and frequently jumps out of your hands and runs from you, it is time to release them into the wild. The best time of day is to release the bunny at dusk or dawn in a safe place away from predators if possible.