# Wild Bunny Question **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 19, 2008, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519 "2008-08-19T03:34:09Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/1 "2008-08-19T03:34:09Z")
As some of you may remember, the summer student staying with me [found a wild bunny](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=477883&highlight=bunny). Well, I suppose we all found it, but she’s decided to be it’s adopted bunny mom and it’s pretty well hers. There’s something wacky about it’s front legs - they seem really weak like they can’t support him. However, other than that he’s doing very well - he eats very well, pees and poos like a trooper, grooms himself, will whip around and around his bunny hutch when SS (mom) comes in the room (as in, he’ll run around doing laps of the cage with no apparent problems). However, when he’s just moving around he’ll step on his front legs and they collapse out from under him. He’s not in any pain - SS has examined his legs closely and he doesn’t pull them back or squeek or anything. Also, he ‘digs’ with his front legs in the bed clothes and they don’t bother him then either. His ears are clear from ear mites. I was thinking perhaps he had Splay Leg but I thought that tended to be back legs, not front legs. SS thinks he may have tweaked his spine a bit and just needs time to heal. So, I suppose I’m asking for opinions from the Teeming Millions. He will **NOT** be taken to the vet. This is because SS has no $$ to take him, and I’m not willing to spend $1,000 to diagnose a wild bunny that’s not mine ('cus I’m a bitch that way). Does anyone have any thoughts? It bears repeating - his health is other wise excellent - he just has wimpy front legs. ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/2 "2008-08-19T04:11:21Z")
Splay leg can affect any or all limbs; it’s not “back legs only”. [http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Bone\_diseases/Genetic/splayleg.PDF](http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Bone_diseases/Genetic/splayleg.PDF) Consider the possibility that the reason you were able to spot, and catch, him in the first place is that there was something wrong with him. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/3 "2008-08-19T04:14:31Z")
[QUOTE=Duck Duck Goose] Splay leg can affect any or all limbs; it’s not “back legs only”. [http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Bone\_diseases/Genetic/splayleg.PDF](http://www.medirabbit.com/EN/Bone_diseases/Genetic/splayleg.PDF) Consider the possibility that the reason you were able to spot, and catch, him in the first place is that there was something wrong with him. [/QUOTE] I would agree with this except the wimpy front leg thing is a rather recent development (when he first came inside he hopped with no trouble at all). ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/4 "2008-08-19T14:22:15Z")
The first sentence of the PDF file says: > [@](#): > > A young rabbit suffering from this condition loses gradually the ability to adduct one to all four limbs. “Loses gradually.” And [this here](http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/splayleg.html) says: > [@](#): > > it isn’t a bad idea to try to correct the problem when it is first detected, in very young babies about 3-5 weeks of age. So he’s not born with it presenting; it takes a few weeks to show up. And while it isn’t fixable, you can make a brace for him; the miami.edu link has a diagram and instructions. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/5 "2008-08-19T14:26:24Z")
Ok, just for the sake of arguement, let’s say it’s NOT splay legs - do any of the SDMB vets or animal experts have any thoughts as to what else it could be? Do small bunnies start walking funny for other reasons besides splay legs? ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/6 "2008-08-19T14:31:12Z")
Having spent a long time working at a nature center I’ll tell you that we used to get 10+ baby bunnies a year. Some had splay leg, others didn’t. if he’s darting around the cage, digging on his own etc…etc…and is bigger than a football [american] then it may be time to let him go. We would typically get rid of ours when they were a little larger than a softball and a little smaller than a football. Release him where you know there are other bunnies. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/7 "2008-08-19T14:48:10Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] Having spent a long time working at a nature center I’ll tell you that we used to get 10+ baby bunnies a year. Some had splay leg, others didn’t. if he’s darting around the cage, digging on his own etc..etc…and is bigger than a football [american] then it may be time to let him go. We would typically get rid of ours when they were a little larger than a softball and a little smaller than a football. Release him where you know there are other bunnies. [/QUOTE] He’s not bigger than a football for sure. Also, there are no bunnies here - he was in the wrong spot (somehow). Also, I would have to pry him out of SS’s hands with a crowbar. So - moving right along - any thoughts as to what might make his legs wonky OTHER than splay legs? ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/8 "2008-08-19T15:14:49Z")
[QUOTE=alice\_in\_wonderland] So - moving right along - any thoughts as to what might make his legs wonky OTHER than splay legs? [/QUOTE] Tequila and Vicodin? ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/9 "2008-08-19T15:15:25Z")
Ok so SS is going to keep said bunny for evermore? Other things - Osteoarthritis maybe? Either way, keep bunny off slippery floors, and make sure bunny get’s plenty of vitamins, fresh clover, fresh grass/alfalfa and lot’s of exercise. Obligatory warning: keeping wild animals is not advised for more reasons that I can list now. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/10 "2008-08-19T15:26:04Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] Ok so SS is going to keep said bunny for evermore? Other things - Osteoarthritis maybe? Either way, keep bunny off slippery floors, and make sure bunny get’s plenty of vitamins, fresh clover, fresh grass/alfalfa and lot’s of exercise. Obligatory warning: keeping wild animals is not advised for more reasons that I can list now. [/QUOTE] Humm - interesting. I’ll have SS add alfalfa to his diet - currently he’s getting kitten formula, water w/ vitamin supplement, pet grass, bunny pellets, timothy hay and two yogurt drops a day. He eats all of these things very well and as I said, he’s peeing and pooing. Now, seeing as SS will be returning home at some point (before the end of the year) and I will be inheriting this bunny, what are the reasons for not keeping wild animals? ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/11 "2008-08-19T15:52:36Z")
[QUOTE=alice\_in\_wonderland] what are the reasons for not keeping wild animals? [/QUOTE] Depending on your location, it may be illegal. In Pennsylvania, for instance, a wild rabbit is the property of the Commonwealth and it is a crime to posses, with exceptions for wildlife rehabilitators, zoos, permit holders, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/12 "2008-08-19T16:02:47Z")
[QUOTE=vetbridge] Depending on your location, it may be illegal. In Pennsylvania, for instance, a wild rabbit is the property of the Commonwealth and it is a crime to posses, with exceptions for wildlife rehabilitators, zoos, permit holders, etc. [/QUOTE] Exactly, rehabbers and permit holders are the only ones who can in most states… Also, SS is giving him a lot of vitamins. After mothers milk, wild bunnys eat clover, grasses, and will munch on the occasional shed antler for salts and vitamins. Try not to over do the vitamins. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/13 "2008-08-19T16:12:45Z")
[QUOTE=Phlosphr] Obligatory warning: keeping wild animals is not advised for more reasons that I can list now. [/QUOTE] Yeah, you gotta watch out for those teeth, that karate chop and that mean disposition. Better put a sign, “Attack Rabbit on Premises” in your front yard to avoid legal issues. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/14 "2008-08-19T17:20:48Z")
[QUOTE=vetbridge] Depending on your location, it may be illegal. In Pennsylvania, for instance, a wild rabbit is the property of the Commonwealth and it is a crime to posses, with exceptions for wildlife rehabilitators, zoos, permit holders, etc. [/QUOTE] I’ve done quite a lot of research regarding this and the cottontail is not on any Canadian list of animals that cannot be kept. I’m assuming that means I’m in the clear. Currently he’s in quarentine - does he pose risks to my other animals? He is mite free for sure, and Alberta doesn’t have fleas. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/15 "2008-08-19T17:29:01Z")
[QUOTE=alice\_in\_wonderland] I’ve done quite a lot of research regarding this and the cottontail is not on any Canadian list of animals that cannot be kept. I’m assuming that means I’m in the clear. Currently he’s in quarentine - does he pose risks to my other animals? He is mite free for sure, and Alberta doesn’t have fleas. [/QUOTE] No not really a risk to your other animals…[what you mean cats, dogs etc?] However, he’ll need something hard to chew very soon, unless you want to make a habit of clipping his teeth. If he can’t gnaw and you don’t want to clip, you could end up with [this](http://islandgems.net/malocclusion.html). And I doubt you want that thing running around your home. 🙂 I’ve only seen it once, and it was on a caged rabbit. ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/16 "2008-08-19T17:47:58Z")
[QUOTE=alice\_in\_wonderland] I’ve done quite a lot of research regarding this and the cottontail is not on any Canadian list of animals that cannot be kept. I’m assuming that means I’m in the clear. [/quote] Erm, no. Starting [here:](http://www.albertaspca.org/FAQ.asp#young) > [@](#): > > \*I’ve found an orphaned wild animal. What should I do? > > It may not be orphaned, so it’s usually best to leave a young jackrabbit or fawn where it is. Mother deer and hares often leave their young on their own, so their scent doesn’t attract predators. If the young animal appears sick or injured, or is in an unsafe location, [check here for more information,](http://www.albertawildliferehab.org/crisis.html#) call the Wildlife Help Line at 1-888-924-2444 or check with the wildlife rehabilitation centre nearest you.\* …the “check here for more information” link leads to this: > [@](#): > > \*Wildlife Found > > According to the laws of Alberta, only legally permitted wildlife rehabilitators may possess injured, sick or orphaned wildlife. If you have found distressed wildlife, it is important that you contact a licensed rehabilitator immediately and make arrangements for the animal to be transferred to a rehabilitation centre. They will be able to advise you on what to do in your specific case.\* Ditto [this here.](http://www.calgarywildlife.org/finding/faqs.html) > [@](#): > > - it is illegal to possess wildlife in Alberta without a special permit. \* * * * [QUOTE=alice\_in\_wonderland] Currently he’s in quarentine - does he pose risks to my other animals? He is mite free for sure, and Alberta doesn’t have fleas. [/QUOTE] Not just to your other animals–to you. Diseases that humans can get from animals are called zoonotic diseases. [List](http://www.petdoc.ws/zoonotic_diseases.htm) of zoonotic diseases that can be transmitted from rabbits to humans. I sympathize entirely with your desire to allow SS to keep the cute lil baby bunny, but the facts are that it’s apparently illegal, and potentially dangerous. ---
**Author:** ![Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/50afbb/32.png) [@Duck\_Duck\_Goose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duck_Duck_Goose)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/17 "2008-08-19T17:56:11Z")
[QUOTE=alice\_in\_wonderland] Alberta doesn’t have fleas. [/QUOTE] If so, then the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association didn’t get the memo. See page 14 [here.](http://www.avma.ab.ca/AAAHT/newsletter/2004_02.pdf) * * * [Tapeworms in dogs.](http://www1.agric.gov.ab.ca/$department/deptdocs.nsf/all/agdex11503) > [@](#): > > _Rabbits, mice and other small rodents are the intermediate hosts for two tapeworms found in dogs in Alberta._ ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/18 "2008-08-19T18:44:06Z")
[QUOTE=Duck Duck Goose] If so, then the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association didn’t get the memo. See page 14 [here.](http://www.avma.ab.ca/AAAHT/newsletter/2004_02.pdf) [/QUOTE] Yes, well rather than reading that document I’ll trust my vet who told me fleas are of no consequence where I live. My dog has never had fleas, never been treated for fleas, never seen a flea. My vet doesn’t even sell flea preparations. Apparently it’s not an issue around here. Furthermore, as opposed to your general link, I actually went to the list of prohibited animals provided by the Alberta government and cotton tails aren’t on it. Moving on. **Phlosphr** , he does have a variety of bunny chews for baby bunnies. Is there a different type of chew he’ll need? Also, he does eat a lot of timothy hay - I believe that helps keep his teeth trimmed a bit, no? ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/19 "2008-08-19T19:13:59Z")
[QUOTE=alice\_in\_wonderland] **Phlosphr** , he does have a variety of bunny chews for baby bunnies. Is there a different type of chew he’ll need? Also, he does eat a lot of timothy hay - I believe that helps keep his teeth trimmed a bit, no? [/QUOTE] Yes, both will help. Bunny Chews work really well, I’m assuming they are the wooden ones. ---
**Author:** ![CaerieD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/da6949/32.png) [@CaerieD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CaerieD)\ **Post date:** [August 19, 2008, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519/20 "2008-08-19T20:06:40Z")
You’ve got a great chance to teach your summer student about the proper treatment of wildlife by doing right by this little rabbit. The front leg issue: Not good. You’re right in that rabbits don’t usually get splay leg in the front, though it can happen. My guess is that it’s either from lack of a proper diet or living on the wrong kind of surfaces. Either way, it does need to see a vet or at very least a wildlife rehabber who can fix the issue. The diet: Stop with the milk, please. Cottontails nurse for about three weeks, maybe four if mama really likes them. But basically once their eyes are open, they are ready to eat solid foods. If this rabbit had its eyes open when you found it, there is absolutely no reason you should be offering it milk anymore. Stop the vitamin supplement. This stuff is basically junk and by offering it you might be causing a massive vitamin imbalance which hey, can cause leg problems. The very first ingredient in the pellets you are feeding should be alfalfa hay and there should be no colorful cereal bits or seeds in them. Feeding alfalfa hay along with an alfalfa based pellet is going to be too much calcium and protein for a rabbit, even a young one. Stick with the timothy hay. And also? Stop the yogurt treats. It’s like having a Big Mac for a snack everyday. You asked the reasons for not keeping wild animals, so here’s a great one: It is a well known phenomenon with cottontails that they tend to waste away in captivity. Some don’t, and that’s great, but most do. After a few months they may stop eating and drinking, they may start thrashing around in their cages (not running circles, but actually running into/climbing up the sides). Eventually they will dehydrate, starve, cause an intestinal compaction and die from that, or injure their necks or backs and die trying to escape. Most of the time, you just come home to a dead rabbit, though. I don’t think that’s going to thrill you or your student. In addition rabbits, like all animals, occasionally need vet care. The leg problem should probably be seen by a vet, but rabbits are also prone to hairballs (They can’t vomit, and a severe hairball requires surgery or it usually results in death), upper respiratory infections, and broken limbs. It’s also a good idea though not a requirement to have a pet rabbit spayed or neutered. Are you or your student prepared to attend to this rabbit’s needs in those cases? Assuming your cottontail lives, they have a lifespan similar to a domestic rabbit–6 to 10 years or so. What it boils down to is that if this rabbit had its eyes open when you found it, it was ready to be on its own. You could have moved it to a safer area if it was in danger, but it would have been better left alone after that. There is no reason for it to be on milk now. It would in this rabbit’s best interest to be handed over to a wildlife rehabber who can hopefully fix its legs and let it go where it belongs. Not doing so could condemn the rabbit to a fairly pointless death. In a best case scenario, you (or SS) are stuck with this rabbit for the next decade or so. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-bunny-question/460519.md?page=2)