Things You'll Need
- Small box Small towels or washcloths Milk replacer for kittens
Instructions
Determine whether the wild baby cottontail rabbit is really an orphan or if her mother has simply left for the day and will return in the evening to feed and care for her. A baby rabbit in need of help will generally move slowly and will have blue skin instead of pink skin.
Gently pick up the baby rabbit to determine if he is hungry once you have determined he is an orphan. A wild baby cottontail rabbit that is undernourished and needs help will typically have a sunken stomach.
Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately if are you sure that the wild baby cottontail rabbit is an orphan that has been injured or is sick. You can find a list of wildlife rehabilitators in the United States through The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory.
Keep the wild baby cottontail rabbit warm and safe until you can take her to the wildlife rehabilitator. Line a small box with a soft towel or a washcloth and gently place the baby in the box then lightly cover the box with another small towel or a washcloth to give the baby rabbit the darkness she needs to feel safe.
Keep the baby rabbit in a room that is between 65 and 70 degrees to ensure he is warm enough. This is especially important if you cannot get the baby to a wildlife rehabilitator right away.
Purchase milk replacer, which is typically used for kittens, at your local pet store. The milk replacer can be used twice a day to keep the baby nourished until she is taken by the wildlife rehabilitator, but you'll need to ask the wildlife rehabilitator how much to feed the wild baby rabbit each day.