Rabbit nests in yards with dogs (and other pets) is a very common issue. Unless injured, it is illegal for both the public and wildlife rehabbers to remove a rabbit nest from someone’s yard for the sole reason that their pets are nearby. Not to worry there are plenty of quick & easy ways to prevent dogs from disturbing nests of bunnies!
Keeping your dogs on leash temporarily until the baby bunnies grow and leave the nest is an easy way to solve the problem. Typically the babies will be around for 2 weeks, so this is not a long term commitment. This is often the simplest way to keep your dog from attacking/burrowing or disturbing the nests.
If walking your dog on a leash is too difficult, we recommend creating a barrier between your dog and the nest. There are two main kinds of barriers we discuss: playtime barriers, and full-time barriers.
Playtime Barriers
Playtime barriers are forms of protection you put out when you let your dog outside and take away after your dog goes back inside. The most popular playtime barrier is pet fencing (puppy playpen), but people will often get creative with lawn furniture, baskets, wheelbarrows, and numerous other objects to prevent dogs from getting to the nest. Supervision is key when using playtime barriers because a determined dog can/will get past them, but they will allow you time to intervene and prevent injury. The most important thing about a playtime barrier is that it is removed by dusk. The mother rabbit will only visit the babies in the early morning and evening hours typically, so the playtime barrier must be removed for mom to have access during the morning and evening to feed.
Full-time Barriers
Full-time barriers are forms of protection which remain up day and night during the 2ish weeks it takes for the baby rabbits to leave their nest. The full-time barrier we most recommend is the use of a modified laundry basket with a hole cut out of it (see photo). Anything you place on top of the nest and do not plan to remove needs to have 2 holes (an entry and secondary exit) large enough for mom to come in and out from. The holes need to be around 5X5 to 6X6 in order for the mother rabbit to fit through. The laundry basket/barrier can be weighed down with bricks, stones, or other heavy objects, so the basket cannot be easily flipped over or blown away. Full-time barriers can help protect against pets and predators without requiring the added work of putting up and taking down a playtime barrier.
Both forms of barriers can work, and they can be combined as well to make sure the nest is well protected. Regardless of method, as the babies start to open their eyes and explore outside of the nest, you’ll want to be extra diligent about checking the garden and placing barriers, so they are not attacked by dogs or even injured when landscaping. Overall, if your dog or pet has injured a baby rabbit or if you have other concerns about the nest, please contact us at 914-933-7559 or another licensed wildlife rehabber, so the baby bunny can get proper treatment and help.
Please note, it is unethical and illegal for a non-licensed member of the public to care for wildlife. Always contact a licensed wildlife rehabber if you have wildlife concerns or questions
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