wild rabbits

I don't know if this is the right area, but I have found out this morning that a rabbit has created a nest in one of planets next to the house. I found this out after I caught the dog trying to eat one. So my question is how long does it take the rabbit to mature? I don't mind the rabbit being there, I just can't tie the dog up outside because she will try to eat all of them. once they are full grown the dog can chase them out of the yard.

 

Baby rabbits mature very quickly. A week or two and they will be gone. The only time you will see the mama is when it's feeding time.

 

do I have to worry about another litter?

 

Once the rabbits have left, you can put some chicken wire up around the plant where the rabbits nested. If you have other areas in the landscape, such as beneath decks, outbuildings, etc. where rabbits may want to nest, you can screen these off.

Rabbits can produce as many as 6-7 litters/year. The first litter is usually three or four with subsequent litters at 5-6. Gestation period is usually just less than a month.

Having a dog and/or cat about often is discouraging to rabbits. Motion sensor sprinklers in the landscape are very effective for discouraging critters from staying very long.

For more rabbit info and control measures: http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/1000/1031.html

 

I have a dog that has been all over the front yard, including at the nest site prior to the nest construction. Furthermore, my dog has chased rabbits out of the yard. if dogs are a deterrent, does that mean I have stupid rabbits?

 

Those are smart rabbits. They have found a way to adapt to their favorite location. Rabbits can often outrun a dog. They prefer to return to their territory. By making the territory undesirable with motion sensor sprinklers and excluding the rabbits from areas you do not want, then, with persistence, they may move on in search of other nesting sites.

 

Plant marigolds near your planter area. Rabbits can't stand the smell and won't cross them.