I found three baby rabbits that I am nursing. One opened his eyes and the other two seem to be having problems opening their eyes. They have one eye open and one closed. They have like some kind of dry custard. I am afraid to rub too hard and hurt them. Is this normal? can I remove it with water?
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Three baby rabbits won't open their eyes. Need advise
- Thread starter MSOLARES
- Start date
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
Are they wild Rabbits ?
How long have you had them ?
If they are wild Rabbits then personally I would want to get them to a Wild Life Rehabilitation Centre so that they stand the best chance of returning to the wild, where they belong, or at least to a semi wild environment.
If the Kits are about 10 days old you could gently bathe the crusting from the eyes using warm sterile water and a sterile dressing pad. Dont rub with pressure, just very gently. The crusting should soften and come away.
How long have you had them ?
If they are wild Rabbits then personally I would want to get them to a Wild Life Rehabilitation Centre so that they stand the best chance of returning to the wild, where they belong, or at least to a semi wild environment.
If the Kits are about 10 days old you could gently bathe the crusting from the eyes using warm sterile water and a sterile dressing pad. Dont rub with pressure, just very gently. The crusting should soften and come away.
Good news I cleaned their eyes with sterile eye wash and cotton balls and it worked. The baby rabbits eyes are opened and they are lively and playful. I have been feeding them green peas baby food and water with a droplet. I thought they were going to die, but they are alive and well. I'm very happy.
Jack's-Jane
Wise Old Thumper
I am glad to hear that they are alive and it's lovely that you are trying to help them
. But I am unsure on how long they will remain OK for if being fed green peas baby food. A Kits digestive system is so very delicate and the dietary needs are very specific.Are you in the UK ? Are they wild Rabbits/Cottontails ?
Please read this information about hand rearing, it really is not a task to be undertaken lightly. As I do not know what country you are in I have posted links to both UK Wild Rabbits, US Cottontails and finally to hand rearing domestic Rabbit kits
http://britishwildlifehelpline.com/Rearing Rabbits.html
http://www.2ndchance.info/bunnies.htm
http://cottontails-rescue.org.uk/health/hand-rearing/
http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare/orphan.html
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