Dave's Garden - Gardening Community
HomeMy ToolsCommunitiesGuides and InformationProducts and SourcesAbout Dave's Garden

Poultry and Livestock: Baby Rabbit question

Advanced Search
      Welcome!  
    You've found the famous Dave's Garden website! Join this friendly global community that shares tips and ideas for home and gardens, along with seeds and plants!

    Check out the DG homepage for a brief overview of what you'll find in this gardening mega-site.

      Login  
    If you don't have an account yet, visit the registration page to sign up.

    Username:

    Password:


    Communities > Forums > Poultry and Livestock
    Forum: Poultry and LivestockReplies: 14, Views: 81
    AuthorContent
    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 20, 2011 9:18 AM

    Post #8936916

    I have never raised rabbits before so this is a new experience and I have been hit with an problem with my frist try.
    The baby rabbits were born the end of Nov. They are about 3 weeks old. Two rabbits eyes have not opened. Two have one open and one shut. Somebody told me to put polysporin on the eye lids and it would help prevent any infections they might have and it would make the mama lick the eyes and the licking might unseal the eyes to open.
    This sounds kinda iffy to me. Any other ideas?
    The fur on the eye lids do look like they have been wet then dried. Its not too bad though. Yet.

    Should I wash them myself with a warm wet wash cloth?
    catmad
    Pelzer, SC (Zone 7b)

    December 20, 2011 9:59 AM

    Post #8936956

    I'd start with the simplest first. Use gauze moistened with sterile saline (the stuff made for contact lenses or as an eyewash is fine). Wipe from the nose outward, gently. In most cases that will do it. Check the eye and make sure it isn't cloudy and that there is no further discharge, and that their noses aren't runny. If there are other symptoms, you need a Vet visit. I have used a new tube of triple antibiotic in an emergency, but don't recommend it. If needed, sterile antibiotic eye ointments are easily available through your Vet, and there are several on the $4 gedneric lists at most pharmacies that can be prescribe.

    Good luck :)
    Light_for_Jesus
    (Zone 6b)

    December 20, 2011 2:35 PM

    Post #8937172

    I saw this on a website. http://www.barbibrownsbunnies.com/having_baby_bunnies_questi...

    The eyes will open at ten to twelve days. If you notice most have their eyes open by twelve days, check the ones with their eyes closed very carefully to be sure they aren't matted shut from a bacterial infection. Wipe the eyes with a warm wash cloth to see if they will open. If they produce pus or other matter, treat them with an ophthalmic antibiotic or Nitrofurazone Powder twice a day until clear. Be sure to clean them thoroughly before each application of ointment, drops or powder.
    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 21, 2011 6:30 AM

    Post #8937997

    thanks bunches.
    catmad
    Pelzer, SC (Zone 7b)

    December 22, 2011 3:52 AM

    Post #8939051

    How are the bun-buns doing?
    jylgaskin
    Williamsburg, MI (Zone 4b)

    December 22, 2011 7:06 AM

    Post #8939184

    I use baby shampoo and green tea on wild babies. A drop of the no tears in a cup of warm water, cleans the eyes and then strong green tea treats the problem. It has always worked for me.
    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 22, 2011 5:15 PM

    Post #8939753

    soaking this in ===green tea? just buy green tea capsules????
    I didn't check on them today cause I was sick half the night and hubby went out and fed everything today.
    But will do lots of doctoring tomorrow. I did put Neosporin on the lids two days ago.
    I spent a lot of money on Christmas and waiting on some money tomorrow. All this wants to happen just as everything
    is about to close for Christmas. I gotta hurry.




    This message was edited Dec 22, 2011 8:10 PM
    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 22, 2011 7:54 PM

    Post #8939972

    ok...me and hubby went out tonight and broght the rabbits indoors. The polysporin must of helped. A few eyes have opened. A few were half opened. I cleaned eyes and put more polysporin on the sick/delayed eyes.


    snuggling with mom



    This message was edited Dec 22, 2011 9:55 PM

    Thumbnail by CricketsGarden
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 22, 2011 7:57 PM

    Post #8939980

    one in the middle = you can see the sick eye. I see no mucus drainage from eyes... The lids are a little puffy. The furr is slightly matted.

    Thumbnail by CricketsGarden
    Click the image for an enlarged view.

    CajuninKy
    Biggs, KY (Zone 6a)

    December 22, 2011 10:52 PM

    Post #8940136

    I would suggest boric acid solution. It is mild but effective.
    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 23, 2011 10:21 AM

    Post #8940560

    Ouch! that sounds painful= boric acid. It doesn't sound mild. What is boric acid (ouch) ?
    I'm gonna call the local farm supply and see what they have in stock..
    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 23, 2011 10:26 AM

    Post #8940564

    They didnt have boric acid and didn't know much about that but they do have an eye drop solution and terramyasin eye ointment and will be open until noon tomorrow. So. guess that is what I'll be getting.
    catmad
    Pelzer, SC (Zone 7b)

    December 24, 2011 4:17 AM

    Post #8941268

    Terramycin is fine for rabbits, and would take care of many causes of infection.
    Boric acid is actually a common ingredient in eye washes, we used to keep a solution containing it next to the sink in the lab, at the eyewash station. It is very dilute when used that way.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boric_acid

    Hope the babies continue to do well
    Light_for_Jesus
    (Zone 6b)

    December 24, 2011 4:50 AM

    Post #8941297

    Cricket, they are adorable

    CricketsGarden
    Nauvoo, AL (Zone 7a)

    December 24, 2011 9:34 PM

    Post #8942005

    They are getting better= slowly but surely and they sure do stink in this house. One more day of close care and out they go LOL

    You cannot post until you register, login and subscribe.


    Other Poultry and Livestock Threads you might be interested in:

    SubjectThread StarterRepliesLast Post
    Raising Keets (baby guineas) TamaraFaye 39 Apr 29, 2012 1:19 PM
    Guineas moved into new home TamaraFaye 91 Jun 7, 2008 9:31 PM
    What should I do for my sick hen? Tammy 51 Dec 16, 2007 8:55 PM
    Sheep losing wool KathyJo 16 May 7, 2008 11:37 PM
    Anyone raise rabbits ? PeggieK 41 Jul 10, 2008 12:07 AM


    We recommend Firefox
    Overwhelmed? There's a lot to see here. Try starting at our homepage.

    [ Home | About | Advertise | Mission | Featured Companies | Submit an Article | Terms of Use | Tour | Rules | Privacy Policy | Contact Us ]

    Back to the top

    Copyright © 2000-2013 Dave's Garden, an Internet Brands company. All Rights Reserved.
     

    Hope for America