Paying Attention Pays Off
I’ve written previously about the benefits of paying attention on this blog. I’m glad that I still practice what I preach. I believe it will help me prevent a bunny nest tragedy. Let me explain.
A little more than a week ago I noticed an Eastern Cottontail bunny in my back yard. She (as it turns out) was doing the usual munching away at whatever vegetation I have growing in my yard. She made her way around the yard. I didn’t pay her much mind. However, she then moved to a place in the far corner of my yard and seemed to plant herself. Because I’m not a rabbit, I had no idea what she found or why she stopped there. All I knew is she seemed unusually interested in that small patch of whatever.
What really got my attention was when she started making odd movements. She looked like a child trying to bury something with her paws. She would take a little bit of grass from here and a little more from there. It all seemed to be converging in front of her. I had never seen a rabbit do anything but eating and preening. This got my attention.
After a few minutes, she just hopped away and under the fence nearby. It really didn’t hit me then. I thought I’d just seen a bunny doing something I hadn’t before.
Closer Investigation
Later that day, while feeding the birdies I decided to walk over where I’d seen her. I looked over the ground and nothing really caught my attention. Until I saw an odd bare patch. Then I had to investigate.
Here’s what I saw:
Doesn’t really scream anything to you, does it?
That is until you look closer and see there’s actually a small hole that looks like it’s been filled in. Click on the image above and you’ll see what I mean. So that’s what all that mime-like activity was about-LOL!
The next thing I did was very carefully pulled back a little of the brush. What I saw was some very small babies wiggling around. I quickly replaced the vegetation and let it be.
I realized very quickly I had some learning to do if I wanted to prevent a bunny nest tragedy in my own yard. What follows are some easy to learn and implement tips to help you keep your bunnies and their babies safe.
Bunny Nest Tragedy Prevention Tips
- Before you start mowing your yard each year make sure to walk the lawn looking for any potential bunny nest locations. Look for browned out areas or small holes.
- If you find a nest in your yard DON’T PANIC! If you can look into it safely, see if there are babies in it now. Don’t be afraid to go deep into the hole.
- If babies are present, again, DON’T PANIC! As long as the babies look healthy all is well. If you see any that look injured, contact your nearest wildlife rehabilitator.
- Do NOT assume because you don’t see the mother that they bunnies are orphaned. Mother rabbits only come by once or twice a day (likely dusk and dawn) to feed and groom them. This is to not attract attention to her nest.
- Don’t call a wildlife removal service unless absolutely necessary. The wildlife rehabber should be able to walk you through any issues you might have.
- Mark the area in at least a 6 foot circle and do not mow any closer or over it.
- If you don’t already, start making a habit of just watching the nest around dusk and dawn. You should be able to get a glimpse of momma coming to nurse and tidy her babies up. Please, no flash photography!
- In two to three weeks, they should be gone from the nest and you can then start mowing it again.
Finding a Bunny Nest Video
I found this great video that’s less than a minute and a quarter from a wildlife removal company that really seems to care. It’s a quick rundown of what to look for and what to do.
Putting It All Together
I know the toughest part of preventing a bunny nest tragedy is patience. A lot of homeowners prize their lawns and couldn’t imagine living with an overgrown patch in them for any length of time. If you are one of these people, I would first say chill out! It’s only for two or three weeks at most.
The next thing I would say is all life on this planet has value. You will give these bunny babies the best chance at life if you can just let them be. Let nature run its course.
Have you found a bunny nest in your yard? What have you learned from it? Leave me a comment below so we can all benefit from your experience. Also, if you’ve enjoyed this article, please share using the buttons below on social media.
Best.
Jeff
Helpful resource from wildlifecenter.org which includes a downloadable infographic called ” I Found a Baby Rabbit.”
We found a nest just a few days ago. Unfortunately, a Crow found the nest this morning. I hadn’t looked in the nest when I first discovered it so I don’t know how many babies were there before the Crow found it. There is only one there now but the Crow keeps coming back. The baby is a new born. How can I protect it from the darn crow without taking it away from his mother?
Hi Julie,
I feel your pain. Is the nest close enough that you can keep an eye on it until you can do something?
Here’s a great idea I saw googling. It is about protecting from a dog but the cover could be adapted to keep out a crow.
https://texashomesteader.com/adding-protection-rabbits-nest/
The important idea is ANYTHING you can put over it that allows the mother to come and go but is either a real task or impossible for a large crow to maneuver. Even if you just cover the nest to allow the mother to squeak by. I think the crow will be put off by it.Best would be so that the entrance faces you so you can see the crow contemplating what to do and chase them off.
If you can keep the crow away until tomorrow, you should contact your local wildlife rehabilitation office to see if they can take it and raise it.
Jeff
Proud of you for caring enough to want to help them. Let me know if there’s anything I can do by responding here or using the contact form on the site.
We had a rabbit have babies in my back yard. We have DOGS!!! UUURRGGG. No dogs next door, no dogs behind us and we have a fence. I’m irritated because I cant let my dogs in the yard to play or potty for 3 WEEKS. Why oh why MY yard????
Hi Tracy,
I’m very proud of you for caring about the baby rabbits in your back yard. I see way too many stories about homeowners whose dog has brought them a dead baby rabbit. You need to pause and pat yourself on the back for paying attention and caring! Thank you from the bunny family.
Since I’ve missed having any rabbits in my back yard this year I guess I miss the inconvenience. We have a dog too and had to watch her out in our yard until they left the nest.
Why they picked your yard? Did you consider it was because they knew you would watch out for them? I know it sounds silly but consider this. Is it a stretch to think there is intelligence out there we don’t know about? For instance, how is a bluebird born knowing how to build a perfect nest?
The good news is they should be out of the nest in three weeks. After that I’m sure the mother will take them elsewhere to keep them safe. Just in case, keep an eye out for a while after you know they’ve left.
In the mean time, enjoy having bunnies in your back yard.
Jeff
I need to know if there is anything we can do to detour the rabbit from burrowing it’s nannies in our yard. Lol, we have fields it can use.
Hi Deborah,
Could you tell me a little more about what’s going on in your yard? Are you concerned for their safety or is there another reason you don’t want them there?
In my experience, they choose your yard because they feel safer than an open field from predators. Especially if you don’t use herbicides of any kind.
Jeff
We found a baby bunny in our carport 5 days ago. We have cats outside so we brought him (I decided he was a boy, lol) inside so they would not get him. He was able to hop and had hair but his eyes were not open yet and about 5″ long. We do not have a wildlife rehabilitation center anywhere near us and the shelter said they could not help us so we have kept him. We gave him kitten milk for the first few days and have swapped to lettuce now. His eyes opened today so it is time for him to be released. We are going to take him to a patch of woods that is by our other house because there are not any cats in that neighborhood. My question is will instinct kick in and he will know what to do?I am concerned that we are going to release him and him not know what to do but I also know we can not keep him. I would love keep him but I do not believe in trying to make wild animals domesticated. I have built him a little shelter out of a plastic container until he is big enough to dig a tunnel that I have put a blanket, rabbit food and alfalfa hay in for now. What should I do to give him the best chance at life?
Hi Samantha,
Be proud of yourself for caring enough to write me. We all appreciate that!
It looks like you’ve done pretty well by them. Here is a short article that may help:
https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/wildlife-emergency-rescue-hotline/how-to-help-orphaned-baby-wild-animals/how-to-help-orphaned-baby-rabbits/baby-rabbit-found-outside-the-nest/
Even if you don’t have a rehab place close, you should be able to contact one from the wildlife rehabilitation network who can advise you what to do NOW.
Here’s another link to help with that:
https://www.treehugger.com/what-do-if-you-find-hurt-or-abandoned-wildlife-4868421
I know usually you should try to find the nest in your yard and place it near it so the mother can find it. However, I understand your reluctance because of the cats. It’s also ideal if they’re not sighted and can be put back in the nest. Neither sounds good now.
Do let me know if I can help any more.
Jeff
Hi Jeff. We have a bunny nest with 4 babies. It’s in an area where I just cut down all the ground cover (pachysandra) because we are changing this over to sod. The landscaper is starting work this Wednesday, 5/5, so the doe has a few days to relocate her babies. I have the area fenced off from my dogs because they killed 3 bunnies in a different nest and site before I knew there were any bunnies and I don’t want that to happen. IF mom doe doesn’t move the babies I’ll put them in a box with bedding, etc the morning of the landscaping but my question is, where should I put the box that evening. I don’t want her to remake a nest in the sod, just move her babies. If the box is outside the fence, will she take the babies elsewhere? Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Nancy,
First of all, I’d like to congratulate you for being a human being with a heart and concern for all living things. You should be very proud!
I’ve got ask if you’ve read the entire article, viewed the short video and downloaded the “I Found A Rabbit” guide? I think they will help put your mind at ease. Specifically, contacting a wildlife rehab location in your area and asking if they can help. I have a feeling that you will create a great deal of stress in the mother’s world if you just uproot them and stick them outside the fence. Plus, there’s a very good chance with all the commotion of sod laying going on they’ll just get crushed or predated.
Please contact any rehab facility near you and get their input. If you can’t get a local facility just pick another number. They should at least be able to help you decide what to do.This was research I did for a specific thing that happened to me. I do NOT claim to be an expert by any means.
Hope this helps. Please let me know what you decide to do.
Jeff
Thanks for your quick reply, I appreciate it. Ill check out any local rehabbers I can find and see what they say. I have a trail cam set up to see when mom might come back OR if the bunnies leave. They’re furry and eyes open so fingers xd they leave on their own! Btw the trail cam was to see what our cats were up to at night..inside the house cuz they are not let outside. Lol.
Hi Nancy,
Congrats for keeping your cats indoors! Most people have no idea what a miserable life it is for an “outdoor cat” which is itself an oxymoron-LOL! Cats are domestic animals and have been for a VERY LONG time.
Please let me know what the rehab people advise. In any case, I hope that the bunnies are old enough to leave the nest very soon or that the rehab place can help.
Keep me posted, please.
Jeff
Will do. ?
Lol. I posted a pic of a rabbit, it came up a question mark!
Hi Nancy,
Could you email it to me?
Jeff
Hi Jeff, well decided not to look for a rehabber. Instead I cancelled the landscaper for this week. Explained to him the situation and just didn’t want to put stress on the bunnies….or on me worrying about them! I THINK the bunnies might be gone in a week as they’re all furry and eyes somewhat open, but we’ll see what happens. I still have the camera set up so I’ll get the sd card tomorrow and try to send a pic. Thanks much for all your support.
Hi Nancy,
I’m biting my tongue because that was the FIRST thing I wanted to but didn’t ask you to do. Namely, rescheduling. It’s because any home work of any kind in Nashville is impossible to get and I didn’t know what your situation was that way.
I’m so proud of you for putting them first! I know the bunnies will breathe easier when they’re able to leave the nest and just follow mom around. Check that. Mom’s discourage following because of the increased risk to all. There should be an award for this! I’ll have to think one up and get back to you.
Do keep me posted on how the babies progress and I look forward to seeing your pic. Remember, help at birdoculars.com
Jeff
Lol. Scheduling is also at a premium up here…but it is what it is. We are all a out animals, been vegan since 1991, etc. we’ll get the yard done eventually. Ill try to send that pic later. Thanks much. ?
Hi Jeff,
I tried to send you a picture but doubtful it will be successful. Anyhow it was from last night of the doe inside the fenced area. It seems that the bunnies are gone but the camera didn’t pick up their movement. It also takes video but only in 10-second increments with a minute delay in between (it’s not an expensive camera), so they could have bolted and not been caught on film. And of course, this happened the day of cancelling the landscaper! Too funny. I’m going to put some chicken wire on that area to prevent any further digging until the yard can be completed AND also keep an eye out for activity. Thanks much for all your help. You have a great page and resource for the community.
Hi Nancy,
So glad it all worked out for everyone! You’ve got a great outlook on the whole thing which is exactly why it turned out so well.
Love to see the pic still. I can send you a google link if you need it to upload to.
Thank you for your kind words and being an example for the rest of man (and woman) kind!
BTW, not long after we started this thread I noticed a bunny acting funny on the same part of our lawn a few days in a row. You guessed it….I have bunnies! I’ve already roped it off and talked to our lawn crew. Can’t tell for sure but they must have at least a week. Excited!
Jeff
We could try the google link. I tried sending to a couple different iterations of your page, but no luck. The camera is still outside, thought I’d see if mom came back at all, so I could try sending tomorrow.
Congratulations on your new yard residents. A bunny’s gonna do what a bunny’s gonna do! Lol. At least she chose a safe spot.
Hi Jeff, me again. I’m able to pull up the photo from before on my ipad so if you wanted to send that link I’ll give it a shot.
Have two rabbits nest in my yard, a crow just found one nest and took a baby before I could scare him away. Is there ANYTHING I can do to keep the others safe.
Hi Michelle,
Hope this isn’t too late. I would contact your local wildlife rehab staff and ask for their suggestions. I found this article that talks about ways to keep a dog out of the nest. I thought it was equally good for the crows if the exit/entrance is small enough that they can’t fit into it but the mom and kids can. I know crows are wary of anything enclosed too.
https://texashomesteader.com/adding-protection-rabbits-nest/
Please keep me updated.
Jeff
We learned we had a nest when a crow landed in our yard and our kids noticed mama bunny come out from under our deck and scare it off. Then we went looking for the nest and found it. We used some garden sticks and weed barrier fabric to build a little shelter around it with a hole cut near the bottom for mama to get in and out of. The we set up one of our security cameras to watch so we could make sure she got in OK but also to see what developments came about over the next few weeks. We have a fence but deer, feral cats, birds and squirrels often wander back there but the bunnies stayed safe and we check on mama every day (she would hide under our deck during the day). Once we knew the babies started to wander out of the nest, around a week later, we stopped letting the dog back there. It took about 3.5 weeks but they are gone and we can start to patch the spot.
We learned a lot from the web.
-Mama will never be far away so not to attract predators
-babies might leave the nest during the day but will typically come back and wait to be fed at night
-Mama’s prefer yards with dogs because they believe that’s a better protected yard
-baby bunnies are good at hide and seek, they couldn’t find their way back to the nest and we found them in our gutter, hiding in hosta plants and between the house and AC unit
-last, bunnies can procreate very soon after birth. We believe one of the babies may have made a nest in the yard across the street because we have seen a young bunny in our yard lately at dusk
It was a great experience for us and for our young kids.
Hi Elizabeth,
Thank you so much for sharing your bunny baby story! And they thank you for doing your research and giving them the best chance at life.
The lessons you’ve learned will stay with you and your children forever. Caring enough to do it right CAN make the difference between success and failure. I’ve heard so many people say “They’ve done it fine without us. They’ll be fine.” This does not take into account the effect human construction and property lines have in the equation. You’ve found the perfect marriage of letting them learn and helping them to navigate your creations!
I just recently had a nest leave successfully. I have a wooden fenced yard and I know the moms love the privacy and security of it.
I will say from what I’ve read the bunnies need to be at least 12 weeks old before having young of their own. I believe you have another bunny mom who thinks your back yard is great!
Keep us posted,
Jeff
hey Jeff!
You’ve been so responsive to the others on this thread I thought I could ask you for some advice. Unfortunately I was not aware that I had a bunny nest with babies in my backyard and the worst possible thing that could have happened, happened. I mowed my lawn and unfortunately one of the bunnies didnt survive. There was one more in the nest when I quickly noticed that I didnt just mow over a patch of dead grass, and that one quickly hopped out and ran away.
Honestly speaking, my heart hurts that I disturbed these innocent creatures. Later on at night the mother came and was simply waiting by the nest and from what I assume, looking for her young. I feel absolutely terrible. Is there anything I can do now?
Hi Samantha,
I truly feel your sadness! Remember that what makes mother bunnies so good as protecting her babies is what creates the danger: they are often too well concealed. You may have walked every inch of your yard before mowing and not noticed the nest. It can look like cast off mowings and nothing more. I know you’re keener now as to what to look for but it is tough to just see at first glance. Don’t beat yourself up about that.
If the babies were far enough along, they may wander about the area and be reunited but it’s an iffy proposition. Have you walked the area outside your property looking for it?
If you have a wildlife rehab in your area, you may want to ask them for any additional tips they may have to reunite them.
Sorry I can’t be more help.
Please let us know how this turns out, will you?
Jeff
We had a rabbit build her nest in our flower pot on the deck. We’ve been monitoring it for 2 weeks now, put an umbrella over it for rainy days and shade in the heat of the day. This morning I checked and they were quite big, and uncovered looking up at me (there are 2). And later this afternoon when I went out on the deck I must have spooked the already free babies and they scattered to parts unknown. The mother isn’t around and I’m worried she won’t find them when she comes back. Are they old enough at 2 weeks to be out on their own? Will momma rabbit find them to continue feeding? I’m feeling distraught.
Hi Vicki,
At two weeks, they should be plenty old enough to roam and mom WILL find them! She almost certainly has already.
Remember, she has made being scarce into an art form to protect her family. They’ll probably be coming back together to feed in your yard so be ready.
Do keep me updated and I’d love to see any pics if you have them, ok?
Jeff
Hi Jeff!
I literally have to write my work day (remote) off as vacation because I watched completely intrigued as the bunny that frequents my backyard dug a nest and then spent another hour or so collecting grass, etc, and depositing it into the hole. Fun part . . . I’m guessing the rabbit’s instinct to build and prepare is super strong at this particular juncture because my DOG was out there almost the whole time and the rabbit only darted away a few times (but appeared reluctant to leave our yard).
Granted, we call this rabbit “Wilson’s bunny” because our dog (Wilson) will “inactively” stalk the rabbit, daily, for hoursssss, and only chases the rabbit after it has already gone through one of its escape routes. AND our guy is 60% beagle haha. Today “his” bunny was working so diligently, she tolerated him (lying still, stalking) at a distance of less than two feet, briefly. I had to video it because it was insane.
Anyway, I actually did want to ask a question … I brought my dog in for as long as I could, hoping to give bunny a chance to keep working in peace. But, I also put an old wire shelf over her nest with rabbit-sized ingress/egress on all sides hoping to keep my dog away and help protect from the hawks that fly around.
It’s been about an hour since I put it out there (immediately after she left yard the last time) and have been checking from inside the house (dog is in too) to make sure she’ll complete her build there since it’s taken all day so far. Ok idea? Or should I remove it unless/until I know she’s given birth?
Thanks for your thoughts!
Tracy
Hi Tracy,
The first thing that strikes me is I’m concerned that she shouldn’t feel free to make a nest there if there is ANY chance your dog is going to dig it up.
Last year, we had a bunny spend the same seven solid hours building a nest and then not put anything in it. We don’t know if she met up with a feral cat in the neighborhood or changed her mind. She never came back after completing the nest.
Protecting the nest from hawks and such is a great idea as long as you are SURE your dog won’t disturb it. If you have any doubt, leave your dog out as you normally do and let the bunny decide if it’s safe.
Let me know if you have any more questions. It’s why I’m here.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff!
I don’t know if she is using the nest or not …. I’ve been anxious to check it, but I usually just take a peek at it during the day to see if it’s been disturbed. Appears to be packed pretty tightly, and I’m fairly certain she spends most of her time under our deck which is only a few yards away. I ended up taking the “protective” implement off the same day I put it up because I was afraid it might cause her to abandon her hard work 🙂 We’ve spotted her in the yard a few times since then.
My dog wanted to sniff around the nest the first couple days after she built it, but he’s been good about obeying my command to leave it. I’m confident he won’t dig it up as I’ve been staying out with him (weather’s getting nicer here) and, call me crazy, but he seems to sense that I’ve been “protective” of his bunny by making him go inside if I see her outside the gate looking to get into our yard.
Have to admit I’m a little embarrassed by how fascinated I am watching this all play out. I’m struck by how my dog is so fascinated by her and content to mostly just watch her (we’re talking HOURS at a time over the last many months), and how tolerant of him she is. When he doesn’t see her in the yard, he will go lay down by our gate and watch for her down our drive and in the neighbor’s foliage.
At any rate, we’re trying to be good stewards and I’ll definitely keep a protective eye on the nest for at least a couple more weeks.
Thanks again! Good stuff!
Hi Tracy,
This is ALL cool stuff! Animals know so much more than humans give them credit for. He knows you’re helping this rabbit and doesn’t seem to see it as an invader which is great!
I don’t want you to be upset if she starts making herself scarce. It is instinctive, protective behavior to NOT be seen coming and going. This means she may resort to only tending to the nest at night. Fear not, she knows what she’s doing.
No need to be embarrassed! More people should delight as you have watching another species’ intelligence play out. The fact that an animal is born with the knowledge of nest-building should blow your mind by itself!
You’re doing a great job of stewardship and you should pat yourself on the back and your dog on the head for it!
Unless you think it might stir your dog’s senses too much, I’d love for you to peel back the nest and see if there’s anything in there yet. That gives you a better idea of where we’re at in this process.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
We had a momma build a nest in our back yard. Our neighborhood has a hawk. Last year I was able to save a bunny from him but not both.
We have put some palm leaves over the nest and have seen the mom still go to the nest. Any suggestions for helping protect or deter the hawks? I try to watch the nest all day and go outside when I hear the hawk around squaking.
And help would be great. I stress all day about this…
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
First of all, momma bunny probably picked your yard because you take the time to care. Good on you!
Other than the suggestions in the article itself, I’d just remind you that both the hawk and the bunny are a LOT smarter than we are for finding and hiding. If you’ve covered it more and she’ll still use it that’s about the best you can do other than hiring a bunny protection officer-LOL!
I don’t mean to make light of it either. Just having lost my first eye-level cardinal nest in 19 years to a snake, I realize there is just so much you can do. Remember that spending too much time back there could scare momma bunny too. She’s usually very careful to come and go when she thinks it’s safe.
Hope this helps in some way. Please let us know how this goes.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
We have a bunny who has put a nest and babies in a large perennial flower near our front door. We have lots of large Ravens, owls, etc. in our neighborhood, is their anything we could do to help protect the babies? She does have them covered with the flowers but they are starting to move more…. And once they are old enough to come out on their own, is their anything we can do to protect them since they are still so small? I’m afraid they will just get taken by the the birds ? or a cat before their little lives even really start. ?
Hi Joanna,
First of all, good on you for being so present and mindful to even notice the bunny family! We need more like you!
I’m sorry to say that momma bunny has deemed that location safe and she’ll take the necessary care to keep her babies safe. Anything you might do to the nest will only possibly scare her or draw predatory attention to it. This is just one of those times we have to let nature work out the details.
Please let us know how this goes, will you?
Jeff
Thank you for answering. I was afraid that might be the case. We are hoping for the best and will let you know.
Thanks, Joanna!
Hello Jeff. I am sharing an unfortunate tragedy that occurred this evening with a bunny nest. A rabbit made a nest right in the middle of our yard. My family tried to be on alert with our dog. We even placed our dog’s crate over the area to prevent the dog from getting them. However, our dog got two of the babies. We were all very sad about this. I know most dogs have a strong prey drive. There are still two babies left but they hopped off for now. Would you recommend tethering our dog away from the burrow for a week or so? I would hate for him to get anymore sweet bunnies. Thank you.
Amy
Hi Amy,
Although I’m pretty sure you’ve answered your own question, YES! Absolutely make sure he can’t get to that nest for at least another week! Mom, should still be coming back to the nest and may even lead them back to it. Remember that she tries to do this when you aren’t able to see. Like late at night or very early morning so don’t be quick to think it’s abandoned.
In a week, I would check the nest and see if there’s anything in it. If you have woods behind or very near you I’m sure that’s where they’ll be.
Just keep a close eye on the back yard because they are still very vulnerable while they’re in your yard.
Let me know if you have any other questions and try to focus on the survivors.
Jeff
Hi Jeff we recently disturbed and asked so we recovered it using all the tips from the wildlife rehabilitator – i did the TicTacToe thing and we know the mother is coming back 🙂 I also put a bunch of weeds as sort of a canopy over it to protect it from the sun. A little concerned because it’s getting hotter here now 75° they are in part shade but still get some of the sun. In addition it’s going to rain in a couple days and then wondering how they do with rain? should be light rain but should I be doing anything else? An umbrella for the sun and the rain? Or should I trust that the mother set it up for herself correctly?
Hi Julie,
First of all, thank you from the bunny family (momma texted me) for caring and looking out for them! You should be proud and pat yourself on the back if nobody else has!
Secondly, trust that momma knows what she’s doing. No further action on your part is necessary or needed.
Please let us know as soon as you see them out and about in your yard. Remember that momma will only come to the nest when she doesn’t think anybody’s watching: late night, early, early morning.
Keep us in the loop and I’m so glad you were able to get a rehab person in on this! Personnel shortages are rampant in every line of work right now as we climb out of the pandemic.
Jeff
We have a nest in our front yard. The babies are only 9 days old. It is only about 6 feet from the sidewalk and nothing around it. I stopped watering w my sprinkler so it didn’t drown them. We gad mowed the lawn short the day before getting ready to overseed it. I set grass thatch around the nest which she did use next day to cover. It is supposed to get to about 98 degrees today with no shade. Does the nest protect them from heat? I do not want to call attention to the nest by setting anything over it since it is so close to the sidewalk. Also concerned about when they start exploring out of the nest. When I startled her the day she gave birth she hopped across the street into the woods so they will have a street to cross. Any and all help is appreciated. I contacted a squirrel rescue by me that also takes rabbits for advice but haven’t heard back from them.
Hi Kimberly,
It sounds to me that you’ve done the best for them: called for expert help while not drawing attention to (or drowning-LOL!) them. They should stay plenty cool in the den mom has dug so that shouldn’t be a problem. Remember that animals have a LOT of intelligence we don’t give them credit for. She put her nest their for a reason. The other thing you can do if you have animals is make sure they can’t get to it.
I’d love to hear what the squirrel rescue people have to say but you really should be fine with what you’ve already done.
Keep us in the loop, ok?
Jeff
Hey there. I love that you offer support for those of us struggling to protect the wildlife. I’m dog found a nest today in the fenced backyard. I have no idea how long it’s been there but a quick peek showed some wiggly furry baby bunnies. I covered it back up and bought a little wooden garden fence and put it in a circle around the nest to keep the dog out of it. It’s about 2 1/2 feet tall and has gaps big enough in between each picket for mom to get through. My concern is that mom may find it off putting and not want to go into the area. I think tomorrow I’ll make a wider circle, I was trying to get it done before the sun went down and wanted to keep the circle somewhat smaller so the dog wouldn’t think he could jump into the middle. Any suggestions?
Hi Colleen,
You should be able to tell if she’s put off by the fence fairly quickly. My thought is she won’t be. Watch the area but particularly early AM and late afternoon. You should be able to see her coming and going. If you see her avoiding it for ANY reason, could you just take your dog out on a leash for a little while and take down the fence around it until they leave the nest? It shouldn’t be even two weeks until they’re out of it.
I hope this helps and let me know if you have any more questions. I’m happy you stopped by and happy to help!
You should be proud of yourself for caring this much, by the way!
Jeff
My son found a bunny nest in the yard after accidentally running over it. He was worried about the bunnies due to seeing red clay dirt and grabbed a pair of gloves to pick the one on top up and check him out. He was good so my son placed him back in the burrow and covered them (2) back up. Will the mom come back to them? I’m worried! Also it’s raining here! Will they drown?
Hi Bethanie,
As long as he got them back in the nest they should be fine. Make sure not to disturb it again if at all possible.Remember that mom comes and goes when she doesn’t have any audience (night, very early morning). Let me know if you have any more questions.
Jeff
Hello,
Pretty big downpours for the next few days
I placed a chair with an umbrella to keep them dry. Is this ok? Will the mom not come back due to this?
Hi Danielle,
The best advice is to keep an eye on it. Generally, it’s best NOT to add human elements to the equation. As long as you can see mom coming and going you should be fine. Remember she tries to be sneaky (early morning, late afternoon or night) so as not to attract attention. You want to make sure you are not drawing undue attention to their nest as well.
Let me know what you see in the next couple of days. Remember that we humans tend to think animals are just impulse-driven machines but they really DO have brains. Sometimes far more developed than humans!
Jeff