How to Raise Wild Rabbits in Pennsylvania

Determine whether the baby rabbits you have found really are orphaned. A white blaze on their foreheads and full bellies indicate they are still very young and under their mother's care. If you are still not sure, find two small twigs and place an "X" over the nest. If the mother (the doe) is still alive, she will disturb the twigs when she comes back to nurse. If you are sure the doe is dead, take the correct action to help the babies.

Find a professional wildlife rehabilitator through your local veterinarian, the Pennsylvania Game Commission or the nearest wildlife rescue shelter. Touch the babies as little as possible---they are not pets! They are wild and can be badly, even fatally stressed from being handled by humans. They are also prone to lice, fleas and other parasites that can harm humans and domestic animals. Do not attempt to raise baby rabbits to adulthood on your own, unless you have professional training and a state license to keep wild animals.

Build a temporary nest to keep the babies warm and fed until they can be handed over to licensed professionals. Place an old blanket or old shirt in a cardboard box to create a soft nest. Place an electric heating pad on low heat (or a hot water bottle) beneath the babies' box. They must be kept warm at all the times. They cannot digest food when they are cold, and will die. If they start moving around uncomfortably, the heat is too high.

Mix the baby formula ingredients in a plastic bowl. Heat the formula till it is just slightly warmer than room temperature. Put a few drops on your wrist first to ensure the formula it isn't too hot for the babies. Feed them slowly, once every three hours, with an eyedropper or pet nursing bottle. Feeding the babies quickly will kill them, as they will draw fluid into their lungs. Afterwards, gently massage their lower abdomen with a warm, moist cloth to stimulate their bowels.