Wild cotton tail rabbits

[Hayley]

I’m currently hand rearing 3 cotton tail rabbits, they are all thriving and currently around the 3 week Mark. Unfortunately one of the rabbits has had a back leg problem which it has been using intermittently and seems to be getting worse. (He’s in at the vets on Wednesday to be check) obviously there is no way he can be released. Now I need to make the decision to keep or pts.

I am happy to keep him providing he’ll cope in captivity? Does anyone have experience with keeping cottontails? Will he integrate with my current bunnys? Any advice would be great!

[sprinkles]

Hi Hayley, I’m very new here to the forum. I have raised wild bunnies over the years. Once in awhile there was a few who couldn’t be re-introduced to the wild. One in particular had to be on a very special diet all his life. Vet told me he wouldn’t make it. Turned out to be the best house Bun I have ever had! He got along with all my other Buns, my dog and strangely enough my cat! It’s all in how you raise them. Also I have found that patience was the big key. Good luck to you and your bunnies!

[Little Lion Head]

Hi Hayley, you might try sending a private message to member Cottontail as she has experience in this area. I’m not sure if anyone else on here has experienced this. Good luck!

[Cottontail]

Just found this thread, thanks to JR!
And PMs are always welcome!

Integrating with other pets seems to be easiest when they are small, but is not out of the question later on. My Pete was adopted by our lady-cat Zoey, and they play and get along wonderfully with each other. He has only recently been introduced to Ms. Tilly (bunny) and they are learning how to adjust to one another. She is more than twice his size, and twice his weight, but he is much more agile and acts more dominant so far.

Like Sprinkles said, the key is patience. There have been times that Pete and I have upset each other so much that I thought he’d never forgive me… but he has proven to be one of the most forgiving pets/room-mates I’ve ever had!

Please keep us updated on how the vet visit goes; and about the release of the others!

[Sarita]

I have a friend who also had a cottontail that she kept because she was injured – she was kept in the room with her domestic rabbits but since she was not able to be spayed she was kept in her cage alone which she seemed to prefer. She lived for about 8 years I believe – a long time for a wild rabbit but obviously being in captivity kept her alive.

She was very timid and not as social as the other rabbits but she was fine with my friend. I think even if he/she doesn’t integrate and you keep her safe in her own little space she will be fine.

[Author]

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