How/when to release juvenile cottontail?

[MossRoad]

You release that little bunny and it's chances for survival will be very low. I think your daughter has a pet for life.

Average lifespan of a wild rabbit is pretty short to begin with. That's why they reproduce so often.

In reality, they are nature's Snickers bars.

 

[bigtiller]

Average lifespan of a wild rabbit is pretty short to begin with. That's why they reproduce so often.

In reality, they are nature's Snickers bars.

Yes, the wild ones are mighty good eating.

 

[2LaneCruzer]

You release that little bunny and it's chances for survival will be very low. I think your daughter has a pet for life.

I would agree...also, cottontail rabbits are very vulnerable; there skin is so tender, it takes very little stress to tear it, so rough housing and other pets should be avoided. I grew up on wild game; and you can skin a rabbit without even using a knife.

 

[oosik]

You are so right - 2LaneCruzer. I grew up on quail and pheasants. When I was young and in my prime - I could skin and gut a quail in less than 30 seconds. It was rare when my father and his hunting group would come home with less than 60 to 75 quail. It was my job to skin and gut them.

 

[strantor]

I would agree...also, cottontail rabbits are very vulnerable; there skin is so tender, it takes very little stress to tear it, so rough housing and other pets should be avoided. I grew up on wild game; and you can skin a rabbit without even using a knife.

I have skinned a rabbit, it comes off like plastic bag lined with glue. I never considered the implications for one that isn't dead (and that you don't want dead). Good point.