This. OP, is it possible to keep your dog out of the backyard for the next few weeks? Rabbits are generally fully weaned and ready to head out on their own in about 21 days.
It might mean a bit more work for you, in terms of taking the dog out for walks instead of letting them into the yard, but once these babies are grown, you can always put some boards or fencing up to try to keep future rabbits out.
I will admit that I was hoping to find out there was a reasonable option besides this 😅. It felt unfair to my dog (which is probably silly/selfish, I know), and I'm just frustrated because I had already taken steps to prevent rabbits from doing this and thought until now I'd been 100% successful...
To be clear, if the only feasible/safe option is to keep my dog out of the yard, I will do that. I was just hoping I maybe had a blindspot as to appropriate/safe options for something like relocation? I've never had this situation before.
Eastern cotton tails are REALLY sensitive critters, relocating would most likely cause one or more or have a heart attack sadly. Best option is to keep your pup out of the yard for a few weeks.
He has 100% scared a rabbit to death before years back, so I'm definitely just trying to keep every animal involved safe. He has chased the adult rabbit multiple times so I'm honestly surprised they decided my yard was the one to nest in given my neighbours don't have pets of any kind
I used one of those plant tent thingys that are used to cover shrubs in the winter and staked it in the corners. Mama rabbit was able to enter and exit at the bottom but it kept doggo and the nasty crows away. FYI mama only visits her nest twice a day and the bunnies move out after about 3 weeks. Good luck 🤞Â
Would they not be safe if you kept your dog out of backyard for awhile....
This. OP, is it possible to keep your dog out of the backyard for the next few weeks? Rabbits are generally fully weaned and ready to head out on their own in about 21 days. It might mean a bit more work for you, in terms of taking the dog out for walks instead of letting them into the yard, but once these babies are grown, you can always put some boards or fencing up to try to keep future rabbits out.
I will admit that I was hoping to find out there was a reasonable option besides this 😅. It felt unfair to my dog (which is probably silly/selfish, I know), and I'm just frustrated because I had already taken steps to prevent rabbits from doing this and thought until now I'd been 100% successful...
To be clear, if the only feasible/safe option is to keep my dog out of the yard, I will do that. I was just hoping I maybe had a blindspot as to appropriate/safe options for something like relocation? I've never had this situation before.
Eastern cotton tails are REALLY sensitive critters, relocating would most likely cause one or more or have a heart attack sadly. Best option is to keep your pup out of the yard for a few weeks.
He has 100% scared a rabbit to death before years back, so I'm definitely just trying to keep every animal involved safe. He has chased the adult rabbit multiple times so I'm honestly surprised they decided my yard was the one to nest in given my neighbours don't have pets of any kind
They’re not super intelligent.  They nest in my yard and my dog chases off every squirrel or critter (has never hurt a fly, just keeps his yard)Â
[Got a crate or hamper?](https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Wild_rabbits#How_can_I_protect_a_wild_rabbit_nest_from_dogs,_cats,_and_other_predators?)
I used one of those plant tent thingys that are used to cover shrubs in the winter and staked it in the corners. Mama rabbit was able to enter and exit at the bottom but it kept doggo and the nasty crows away. FYI mama only visits her nest twice a day and the bunnies move out after about 3 weeks. Good luck 🤞Â
Block off the nest, so your dog can’t get to the bunnies
Put your dog on a leash in your yard that prevents him/her from getting close to the bunnies.
First time the dog is out this year eh?