Why might have this wild baby rabbit died?

[Mobsta]

Knowing we look after a variety of animals, a neighbour bought round a tiny baby rabbit. it was so small, after a weighing in, it was no heavier than 2.5 adult gerbils. Tiny!

Neighbours cat had it in its jaws. Neighbour ran it over. Animal ointments were applied, wound was tiny, the rabbit was very lucky (had probably only just been caught by their cat). My vet mate wasnt available so we made the decision to keep it over night, releasing it in daylight when the foxes were safely back in their dens, hoping the rabbit would find its way back to its home.

The following afternoon, we had a rigour mortified rabbit. Tiny wounds as stated. Yet it had lived for nearly 24 hours. Had a water bottle and (in case it did not know how to use it) also a bowl of water, rabbit food (and in case it didnt recognise it) wild rabbit veg/leaves, too.

Stumped, we put it down to the rabbit dying of fear. It seemed calm, didnt bite, but just decided to give up the ghost. No idea why, rabbits aren't my speciality. It was seen drinking, so shouldn't have dehydrated.

[Mobsta]

bexVN said:

It had been through one hell of a trauma for one so tiny and wild so most likely cause of death would be shock. Also there could have been internal injuries. Catay have got it because it was already a runt/ill etc

It takes a lot of knowledge (usually after having to deal with many losses ask any wildlife centre) to successfully hand rear wild young even domestic pets are hard to hand rear. You did the best you could given the circumstances.

Thanks. I was expecting tears from the younger members of the household, but none came. A quick burial instead.

I did wonder, what was worse. Being in a humans home buried in straw for the night, or being in a cats mouth for a few minutes. Next time, it goes straight back in the field, is what we decided. The neighbours cats keep catching all manner of wildlife due to the fields and woods.

In Canada, de-clawing a house cat is as casual and normal a behaviour for humans, as ordering 2 cod and chips is, in the UK. You'd have to grow up with that behaviour, to agree with the normal comment though. Not to open a can of worms, but fed, looked after, medicated and house kept cats dont need claws. I expect some here will disagree.

[Mobsta]

jjones said:

Mobsta said:

Neighbour ran it over.

there's ya problem!

It was walked over, then

[Mobsta]

bexVN said:

Agrispeed said:

Could you not release it legally as they are technically vermin?

That only applies to gray squirrels.

We had to release it. Its illegal to keep a wild rabbit. I always wanted to walk ten badgers on a lead in a top hat and tails, to win the winks of the posh women who pass me by, but... one cant keep wildlife.

We agreed on a one night stay.

The problem with releasing the rabbit was that dusk would be soon falling. The foxes in the woods would be coming out, so a safehouse for the night cage was prepared. Animal disinfectants applied to the wounds.

The funniest part was, Id dutifully sought the approval of GF first, whilst she was at work...
Meanwhlie, GF's daughter had put a TOY fluffy bunny with beanbag arse and polyester fluffy ears into the cage, to keep the real rabbit company. Bless.

GF comes home from work.
Approaches the cage.
Sees the TOY rabbit with giant ears standing upright, and says OOOOHhhhhhh, its sooooo... sweet!!!!!!
(something similar)

No petal, thats just a stuffed childrens toy... The real rabbit is the one hiding from you under that pile of straw.