Wild rabbits, often called bunnies, create subtle nests to shelter their young, known as kits. These hidden nurseries are typically shallow depressions in the ground, lined with soft fur and covered with natural materials. Nests are frequently located in open areas, including suburban lawns or gardens, providing camouflage from predators.
The Nesting Period and Departure Timeline
Young bunnies experience rapid growth within their nests. From birth, kits are blind, deaf, and without fur, making them entirely dependent on their mother. Their eyes begin to open around 10 to 12 days old, and they develop a full coat of fur within their first week.
Bunnies start to venture out and explore their surroundings at two to three weeks old. They are ready to leave the nest and become self-sufficient between two to four weeks of age. By three weeks, many are weaned and capable of foraging for themselves.
Life After Leaving the Nest
Once young bunnies leave their nest, they do not return. At this stage, they are independent despite their small size, often appearing no larger than a chipmunk or a softball. They possess fully developed fur, open eyes, and the ability to hop, resembling miniature adult rabbits.
The mother rabbit’s direct care significantly lessens once the kits emerge. She visits the nest only once or twice a day, typically at dawn and dusk, for brief nursing periods. This limited interaction is a natural strategy to avoid attracting predators. Young rabbits quickly learn to find their own food, transitioning from milk to a diet of grasses and other vegetation, and establishing new hiding spots.
Observing and Protecting Wild Bunny Nests
When a wild bunny nest is discovered, the most appropriate action is to minimize disturbance. Human intervention is rarely necessary, as mother rabbits do not abandon their young simply because humans have touched them. The mother is almost always nearby, even if not visible, and will continue to care for her kits.
To determine if a mother is still visiting, place a tic-tac-toe pattern of twigs or string over the nest opening. If the twigs are disturbed after 12 to 24 hours, it indicates the mother has returned. If the kits appear warm, plump, and nestled together, they are likely receiving adequate care.
Protecting a nest from domestic pets is important. Dogs should be kept on a leash, and cats indoors to prevent them from disturbing the nest. Placing a barrier, such as an upside-down laundry basket with a gap for the mother or chicken wire, can safeguard the nest while allowing the mother access.
Relocating a nest is not advised, as it significantly reduces the chances of the mother finding her young. If a kit appears injured or truly abandoned, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.