Bad bunny

Nearly two weeks ago, we received a tiny, one day old bunny. Caught by a cat, I thought the little one had little chance but we decided to give him a try. We immediately warmed him up and administered antibiotics to fight off the nasty cat mouth bacteria. It was extremely difficult to get the little one to feed from a syringe, even despite the specially designed nipple on it. So, we had to minimize the handling stress and tube feed him. This has gone on for the entire time he's been in our care. He's refused anything that comes near his mouth and would rather let it dribble all over him. Typically, bunnies take to the nipple pretty quickly. He's just a bad bunny.

Now I mean bad in a good way - he has some serious survivor attitude! This little bunny actually died in my hands the second day in care. I did a little CPR on the limp body and he revived. Lesson one in his attitude. Yesterday, the little one graduated to a larger cage and was introduced to native greens. He immediately took to them and was eager to try a variety. He also finally took his formula on his own, lapping hungrily from a tiny bowl.

Attitude check - this bad bunny came after me when I went to place some fresh greens in his cage this evening. Whether protecting his "den" or fighting off my threatening hand, I'm not sure, but he definitely charged my hand and kicked at it with both front paws. I tried not to smile because if he saw my teeth, he might be frightened into thinking he would be my next meal, and I didn't want him to experience that stress. I simply chuckled to myself and left him to his meal. I can't say I have ever seen a baby cottontail with such attitude. He's definitely a survivor! A few more days and he will be ready for release.