Wild baby rabbits, known as leverets, often appear incredibly vulnerable in their hidden nests, prompting concern from anyone who encounters them. These tiny creatures spend their earliest days tucked away, relying on their mother’s brief visits for sustenance and warmth. Understanding the natural process of their development within the nest is important for appreciating their survival strategies. Their early life unfolds largely out of sight, a testament to the effectiveness of their natural camouflage and the mother’s protective instincts. This period is a delicate but rapid stage of growth, preparing them for independence.
The Nesting Period and Young Rabbit Development
Baby rabbits typically remain in their nest for a relatively short period, usually between two to three weeks after birth. At birth, leverets are altricial, meaning they are born blind, hairless, and completely dependent on their mother for survival. Their eyes are sealed shut, and their ears are still folded against their heads, making them quite helpless.
During these initial weeks, the young rabbits undergo rapid development. Their fur begins to grow within a few days, and their eyes typically open around 10 to 12 days of age. By the end of the second week, they are fully furred, their eyes are open, and capable of some limited movement within the nest.
The mother rabbit’s parenting style is unique and often leads to nests appearing abandoned. She constructs a shallow depression, often lined with her own fur and grass. She visits the nest only once or twice daily, typically at dawn and dusk, for brief feeding sessions lasting only a few minutes. This minimizes drawing attention from predators and ensures the safety of the leverets, as her prolonged presence could inadvertently attract danger.
Responding to a Found Rabbit Nest
Discovering a rabbit nest often raises questions about what action, if any, is necessary. The most important approach is to avoid disturbing the nest or young rabbits unless there is clear evidence of distress or danger. While mother rabbits are sensitive to human scent, they will not abandon their babies solely because a human has touched them; the greater risk is causing stress or drawing attention to the nest.
To determine if a nest is truly abandoned, place a light cross of string or small twigs over the nest opening. If this marker remains undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours, it may indicate the mother has not returned to feed her young. Even then, she might still be observing from a distance.
Intervention is generally warranted only in specific circumstances:
- If the young rabbits are visibly injured (e.g., bleeding, broken bone).
- If they have been in the mouth of a cat or dog.
- If they are covered in fly eggs.
- If they appear cold, shivering, or noticeably thin with a sunken stomach.
- If the nest has been clearly destroyed.
In such cases, contacting a local licensed wildlife rehabilitator is the appropriate step. These professionals have the expertise and resources to care for wild animals properly, as attempting to raise them without specialized knowledge often leads to a high mortality rate. Keeping pets, especially dogs, away from areas where rabbit nests are likely to be found is also important, as domestic animals can inadvertently harm the young.