Baby Bunnies--Are they really orphans?
So you found a nest of baby bunnies in your yard and there is no sign of Mother Bunny. Please, leave them where you found them! Mother cottontail rabbits do not stay with their nest during the day. She will often be watching from a safe distance but staying right on the nest attracts the attention of predators. Mother rabbit will feed and care for her babies around dusk and during the night.
Instead of moving the babies or trying to "rescue" them, check to see if they feel warm and wiggly. If they do, gently replace the nesting material (grass and fur, usually) as close as possible to the way the mother had it. Take 2 small twigs and form an X on top of the nest. Now go away, and check again in the morning. If the X has been disturbed, you know that Mother Rabbit has been caring for her young and you can safely leave things in her hands.
However, if the X has not been moved and the babies feel cold and are not moving much, they need help. In this case, place them in a box in a warm, dark place with a heating pad on the lowest setting under half the box. Call a licensed rehabilitator and get the bunnies to him/her as soon as possible. Do NOT give them anything to eat or drink.
