Baby rabbits in chicken coop

[BabeMj]

Hi I found baby rabbits at the bottom of my chicken coop yesterday there are 4 of them. They stayed overnight and they won’t leave my chickens didn’t hurt them but rabbit mom is no where to be found. Not sure how to care for the rabbits does anyone know?

 

[ChickaChicka1]

Before anything else, I would make sure that the mom is not there. If she is, she'll take care of them, and if not maybe call a local wildlife rehabilitater?

 

[BabeMj]

Before anything else, I would make sure that the mom is not there. If she is, she'll take care of them, and if not maybe call a local wildlife rehabilitater?

They slept at the bottom of the coop last night. Didn’t see mom around. Is there something I can do to help them?

 

[SilverBirds]

Is there a way for a rabbit to get into your coop? I would put them in a covered box outside close to the run and see if the mother comes for them.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi I found baby rabbits at the bottom of my chicken coop yesterday there are 4 of them. They stayed overnight and they won’t leave my chickens didn’t hurt them but rabbit mom is no where to be found. Not sure how to care for the rabbits does anyone know?View attachment 3817783

That is so cool but rabbits can have lice. I'd call your state DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and ask what to do and explain this is important as usually they'll just tell you to let nature take its course.

In the meantime, I'd fix them a box and set it outside of your coop. Maybe momma will come take care of them there.

 

[SilverBirds]

I know they look really little and vulnerable, but by the looks of it they're about the age that they are or are almost weaned from their mothers and are independent.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Those babies are actually old enough to survive on their own. Remove them from the coop, and leave them alone.

Momma rabbits usually only visit a nest with babies once, maybe twice, a day. Otherwise they stay near the nest but far enough away not to lead predators to the babies. I promise you, those babies are fine and do not need help.

 

[AinaWGSD]

That is so cool but rabbits can have lice.

This is true, but lice are species specific. Mammalian lice don't feed on birds so there is no risk of wild rabbits transmitting lice to chickens.

 

[SilverBirds]

https://wildlifecenter.org/help-advice/healthy-young-wildlife/if-you-find-baby-rabbit

 

[Debbie292d]

This is true, but lice are species specific. Mammalian lice don't feed on birds so there is no risk of wild rabbits transmitting lice to chickens.

Perhaps, but I'd not want the chance.

Other parasites that can spread between rabbits and chickens include fleas and mites.