How I Cared for Baby Cottontails

UPDATE: The intention of this video is to encourage others to not make the mistakes I made, like moving the nest, wrong formula, building a hutch too late. This is my one-time experience, so if you want detailed instructions on how to take care of orphan cottontails, use this informative website as your primary source: www.2ndchance.info/bunnies.htm
There have been some negative comments on this video, so my responses to those will be below.
Frequently Made Comments:
1) You shouldn't have moved the nest.
I mentioned multiple times in the video that this was a mistake and encouraged the viewer to not do the same. When I had moved it, we had a vegetable garden that was 2 weeks old, and my dog had just killed one of the babies (that baby died in my hands as I tried to clean the blood from it in the sink). It was traumatic. My first instinct was to protect the rest by putting them in a safer enclosure (basically, a similar container but with a lid) and to hopefully encourage the mother to take her young to where she was living, which I think was under the concrete patio. From my time-lapse footage, I saw that she only tried searching for them after about a minute and didn't make any attempts to look for them after that. I had to step in when I found them dehydrated. If I could go back in time, I wouldn't have moved the nest.
2) You should've put the babies back when you saw the mother wasn't coming back.
They were dehydrated (hip bones sticking out) and I knew if I put them back, they could die waiting to be nursed. It was stressful, because I was very worried that they would die very soon without any liquids. So that morning, I quickly did research (looked for wildlife rehabers which were too far away and learned about how to care for them). I wanted them to survive, so me feeding them was the best option. I dropped all my plans and tried to get them liquids as fast as I can (which included running around the pet store for everything I needed).
3) Your scent drove the mother away.
From my research, that doesn't matter much; moving the nest matters though. Our human scents and the dog's scent was actually all over that vegetable garden and that patio, but that rabbit still made her nest there.
4) You should've kept the rabbits. They don't know how to survive in the wild.
Rabbits are wild animals with instincts; they do not depend on the mother to teach them certain skills. From my research, it's perfectly acceptable to release them after they've been weaned off of formula and by a certain age. I made sure to monitor them for 3 days after weaning to see if they were able to feed on their own, in which they did and had been even when I was still feeding them formula. We actually moved that hutch several times so they could eat fresh grass.
5) You stole those babies from the mother just so you could make a video about it.
If you knew how time-consuming (6 hours total to feed each day) and expensive it is to take care of cottontails, then you would know that is simply untrue. I did what I did because I simply didn't want them to die. I made this video because there were no videos that really shows the process from beginning to end, what to expect, and I wanted to encourage others to not make my mistakes.
I am not an expert on rescuing cottontails. This video is my one-time experience with cottontail babies and is meant to be more of a supplement, rather than a definitive guide. Please refer to the website I provided for how to take care of orphan cottontails if you must do it and be sure to read it from beginning to end!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Most of the materials (and images) are from Petco. I was able to buy Kitten Milk Replacement, VIta-drops, Bene-Bac, and the medicine dropper there.
The tip I used to modify the medicine dropper (Doctor Easy Ear Washer Disposable Tips) can be found here:
amzn.com/B005M3A76C
Webpage Screenshots
www.2ndchance.info/bunnies.htm
Cecotrope Image:
webprojects.oit.ncsu.edu/proje...
Videos at the End:
Killdeer Fakes Injury to Defend Nest
• Killdeer Defends Nest ...
Lorikeet Lovemaking
• Lorikeet Lovemaking
DIY: Self-watering Container Garden
• DIY: Self-Watering Con...
Shasta Cabin 2011
• Shasta Cabin 2011 (Cla...
MUSIC:
"Bittersweet" by Silent Partner (downloaded from KZbin's Audio Library)

[@risafey]

I'm amazed. You made a mistake, but then you accepted all that responsibility far beyond what I think anyone else would have done.

[@XoletteLife]

Thank you!

[@ragefulhobbit]

Yes!

[@cadenceplaysmsp8325]

I agree she did a good thing taking care of them babies

[@yankydoodlepaddy613]

She did it on purpose. If she didn't want to steal the babies for herself she wouldn't have fucked with them in the first place & just kept her dog in check. She's a baby thief & she knows it.

[@lunartea1036]

Yanky Doodle Paddy wtf no she isn’t lmao she tried to move them to the other thing because a big plant was in the way

[@moewilson4605]

I owned a wild cottontail for three years. I saved her from a crow, so she was just old enough to eat. I had three wonderful years with her running free in my house. I had to bunny proof, had her fixed, and she toilet trained herself. Unfortunately, she passed to a stroke this past April. I was devastated. In July I acquired two sisters, almost two years old from the Humane Society. Sidey’s domestic cousins. I love my bunnies. Kudos to you for helping them.

[@mollyrose5415]

Moe Wilson how old were they when you found them? What did you feed her?

[@snowgirloof8197]

I'm sorry for the life of u and your bunny

[@vanessafrancois2522]

Molly Rose

[@vanessafrancois2522]

Moe Wilson you nice

[@Ikine557]

I'm so sorry for your loss :( My little bunny died of something similar. I was really young and my parents never told me what really happened, but it was something on the level of a stroke. She was sick and then she was gone. I still miss her. I hope your new buns live long, healthy lives^^

[@cheechrhein995]

Thank you for saving them. Our domestic Lionhead rabbit just passed after giving birth. We have 6 orphan kits. Wish us luck

[@XoletteLife]

So sorry for your loss! I wish you the best of luck taking care of 6 kits. It's a ton of work but very rewarding. I recently watched this video on how mascara wands comfort orphan rabbits you may be interested in! kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH6vnYaigpxohcU

[@christinap5780]

That is so sad...... Women are like gods

[@sav6814]

@@christinap5780 Some of them are trash too.

[@lukelim9268]

@@sav6814 so true

[@sav6814]

@@lukelim9268 Lmao yeah. I'm a woman as well and oh my JESUS theres some horrible women. I travel alot too so I see plenty of them.

[@zeusvalentinee]

“Bye I’ll miss you” I STARTED CRYINGGG

[@Jeiygo]

Zeus Valentine Yo that hurt me too I cried too.

[@biancaisidk]

I cried a bit as well. I don't think I would be able to do that.

[@SulfurTheCat]

Waa I love bunnys so munch I had one named FoFo

[@SulfurTheCat]

Thanks Guys for the like !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ShellieIsAwesome78]

I Cried so many times 😢😢😢😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@madgrace7143]

Thank you for for admitting your mistakes, but using them to help the rest of them!!! I am attempting to save a few when the nest was disturbed during construction. Right now I have five because one already died when we found it. I hope I can do well, and thank tour for the video!

[@XoletteLife]

mad grace thank you for the comment! Good luck on taking care of those rabbits! :)

[@madgrace7143]

small update: three successfully released. One died about a week afterward but I am not too surprised because the day before I saw that he tripped and spazed but was not able to coordinate or help himself up. I was trying to decide when the next morning I found him dead. (RIP Leonardo Da Vinci). Later when they were big enough and able to eat solid food, I moved them to an outdoor enclosure that I THOUGHT was secure. second night found one dead not sure what did it. (he wasn't eaten just killed so...?) (RIP Vincent Van Gogh-he only had one ear, but no wound or scar were the other should have been). So I made the decision to release the rest (Picasso, Michelangelo, and Claud Monet). Lots of rabbits in your area to hopefully are still alive! Side note: I would usually advise against naming any animal that you are not planning to keep forever but my brother named Van Gogh so I felt I couldn't leave the others out.

[@XoletteLife]

mad grace thank you for the update and went great names! I'm sad to hear that some didn't make it. I know I wanted to release them quickly because it was so hot outside and they were very flighty. Like you, I thought they had better chances being released rather than being caged. Thank you again for sharing!

[@joan61711]

mad grace h

[@violethill4813]

You fed them well. They were so energetic! I'm sure difficult to release them but they deserve their home in the wild. Beautiful.

[@XoletteLife]

Violet Hill It was difficult to see them go! Thank you. :)

[@angelmwa9547]

Al-aqsa alexa

[@DR..33]

Violet Hill Don’t feed them while sleeping on their back they might die. Do it the same way they do with their mother.

[@bourairallami2359]

Violet Hill they need more care when they 1 Year’s old that is when

[@ee-wx3hy]

this is so sad alexa play *despacito*

[@aimeeandelly2464]

I kinda made the same mistake and i had 7 cotton tail bunnys and when i went to let them free one wouldnt get out of the box so we sat there for 25 mins and it wouldnt leave so we took it home and we also took it to the vet and it turned out it was sick so we kept taking care of her and he decided to keep her and we have had her for 2 years and she rules our back yard

[@XoletteLife]

Aimee and Elly that's great! I had two rabbits and many guinea pigs and they ran around our backyard. We didn't even need a cage essentially. They were free to go wherever they wanted and the made some underground tunnels. Now when I see rabbits and guinea pigs in small cages, it just feels wrong. My mom didn't like them eating the plants though, but they kept the grass short. :) Glad you took care of the one that was sick!

[@azulroque3805]

Awww thats so cuuuuuutttttteee

[@baileytucker241]

That's so cute!!!

[@susanavazquez7466]

Awwe. This warms my heart.

[@lissafulkerson8086]

Yea

[@mountainguru529]

I am a wild life rehabilitator ....you did a fantastic job . Wild rabbits are very hard to save .

[@beautyandherfurbabies]

I know right, she did an amazing job ❤❤

[@mountainguru529]

@@beautyandherfurbabies Yes she did ! I am surprised we haven't seen he in more featured productions .

[@elizabethanderson5163]

Exactly! I've never seen baby wild rabbits live beyond a couple days! They are VERY hard to keep alive! She did AMAZING!

[@brittanymay4022]

Agreed!!! I've raised a couple with great luck fortunately!!!! But that was just it....luck!!! Bunnies go downhill soo fast!!!

[@anabellefontanez3310]

Elizabeth Anderson i’ll

[@shannonheaning7781]

I appreciate that she was not sure what to do originally, and made a mistake moving the nest, (which is normally what you should not do) but she addressed it so people wouldn’t follow her, and then took very good care of them, instead of leaving them to die, probs to you 🙌🏻Some mistakes were made but you did very well

[@summerdavis1946]

Shannon's Zoo 4.

[@jeremiahmedor4223]

Shannon's Zoo jjjjj

[@SeekerKC]

My sentiments, exactly!

[@Tony-nh7px]

Shannon's Zshut up

[@dio-iw9qh]

Tony, Don't tell people to shut up it's not very polite

[@vikkilooper4075]

I know I'm like 2 years late but I just found your video. I think you did a great job! You didn't realize you would cause the mom to not know where they were. You took the time to make sure these guys lived. That is so wonderful and I wish people would pay attention to what your message was before spouting negativity. Great job taking care of those babies and getting them back to the wild. 💜

[@XoletteLife]

Vikki Looper Aw, thank you!!!

[@Fablevill]

I admire you for putting your mistakes out there, because this no doubt has gotten a lot of people mad. You put these bunnies in a bad situation and you made it up to them and I find that to be quite sweet, and sometimes wildlife could use a little help. But, now I know to never disturb a bunny nest, no matter how cute they are.

[@rabbittherabbit37]

There’s a special place in Heaven for people like you,good job.

[@Ava_Orchid]

People make mistakes and you didnt make it with bad intentions you made a quick decision based on a baby being killed by your dog. Instead of saying oh well screw it and allowing the rest of the babies to die or dumping them somewhere and crossing your fingers mum would find them you took action! It is not easy to feed baby animal and it is exhausting to meet their needs. But you took responsibility for what happened and did your absolute best. Then you chose to share your mistakes so no one follow suit and gave info on what to do if you run across abandoned babies whos mum has not come for a full day or two and who are dehydrated.

[@XoletteLife]

avaorchid Thank you! It's too bad some people don't get that. Thank you again for the kind words.

[@shrvlock3916]

I agree ATM I'm taking care of 2 newborns and my sister is taking care of 1

[@eunji2845]

Yup my dog just found and ate two

[@seeker1654]

@@eunji2845 😂 loser

[@eunji2845]

@@seeker1654 I- :/ how am I a loser lmao XD like dude are you serious?

[@bobmurica4174]

So many "experts" on here condemning you. Nice job I say. You state clearly that mistakes were made, as there would be by most of the people commenting on here, but you learned and hopefully they have a fighting chance because of you. You definitely did more than most would do.

[@Anna-ml7rm]

Bob Murica so true. They probably would get Eaton by a cat anyways. She did her best and was alot of work. For a non judgemental society everyone sure is quick to judge this lady. Stop being jealous people. I doubt they would take the time out of their days to do this.

[@kayliemichelle124]

When you hold bunnies, it reduces their smell, making it harder for their mom to recognize them. But I am so so so happy you did this for these bunnies. They are incredibly lucky to have had you to take care of them. You are truly making the world a better place.

[@haleystewart7900]

This has actually been proven to be a myth. Baby rabbits are born without any scent at all so that predators can not detect them.

[@bellarami3013]

I thought the same as you till I did some research and found out the mother recognizes them through sight and not smell.

[@missbrown8205]

Thank you so much for this video!!! I just found a lone newborn rabbit by my job breathing heavily under the hot sun about to die. This helped until I was able to get him to a rehabilitation center.

[@lunartea1036]

kutey k I’m glad you saved it💕

[@idrinkcardboard8298]

it's people like you who save humanity

[@XoletteLife]

Diamond gamer 31 Aw, thanks!!

[@metal-head2049]

No it people like this that cause the extension of Beautiful animals

[@metal-head2049]

You should have left them alone and and enjoy observing them from a considerable distance

[@metal-head2049]

You lost him NO HE DIDNT find his mother he most likely died because you moved their nest I rase rabbits and I know without a doubt that you are to never move a wild rabbits babies I’m 13 and I know that I’m sorry for being rude but it hearts me to know your dog slaughtered one you not paying attention got one lost that didn’t find it’s mommy that’s just something you tell yourself to hide from the guilt agin I’m sorry to you but mostly for the rabbits

[@Karben22]

Yeah I learned from a very young age never to touch rabbits in their holes. Liked 5 or 6 years old kind of thing. Must be nice to be a SaHW so you can watse time on feeding 5 baby rabbits 4 times a day every 3-4 hours. Wish I could find me a sugar momma.

[@ButterflyMomma]

Thank you for this video. My husband is a construction worker and they accidentally dug up a rabbit's nest. They had no idea it was there and the excavator killed all the rabbits except for one little baby. Now I am trying to help it live. I figure it's about 10 days old based on information I've read. I'm definitely stressed about the bacteria aspect. I've been mixing in probiotic powder from a capsule (the kind you keep in the fridge.) I am going to see if the pet store has the stuff you mention in this video, so thank you for that. You did a good job with those bunnies. I've only got the one and it's a lot of work...6 would be very hard. I hope I can be as successful as you.

[@XoletteLife]

Leigh Eliason Thank you, Leigh! I was surprised mine made it after what I had read online, since I didn't use some of the suggested ingredients, so I'm sure yours will be fine. Best of luck to you and glad you're taking of him!!

[@AmieDeLalla]

benedict gaming and theories Why not just watch the video genius. It's all there.

[@ButterflyMomma]

Just wanted to let you know my bunny lived and was released back into the wild. Your video really helped ensure success. Thank you. 😊

[@XoletteLife]

Leigh Eliason That's great, Leigh! That makes all the work put into editing this video worth it! Thanks for letting me know.

[@madgrace7143]

Thats amazing! you did very well, I hope I can do as well, I am trying to take care of 5. We will see what happens.

[@egyptianhieroglyphs7114]

I’m currently helping a cottontail. It’s still alive. The nest was in a park near a church, the child care place it’s meant for is under construction. There were 5 bunnies in the nest. The next day...3 were dead, 1 was missing and 1 was alive further from the nest. We took the bunny and the bunny is actually getting stronger!

[@carlberg7503]

You're amazing! You did your homework, invested tons of time, and sent five happy, healthy rabbits back into the wild. They scampered off eager to explore the wide world, but there was a tear in your eye.

[@rometroy420]

hahah 10:19...shes obviously saddended after taking care of them as her own. A bond was created....and the guy behind the camera says ...'' what ?'' lol...common guy !!!

[@Al-xi8vu]

Right? I was like, "Camera man, you dolt!" 😂

[@TheZeroDav]

moving the nest = mama cant find baby=prediters ate babys th the mind of mama bunny

[@XoletteLife]

Yes, well said. Exactly why one shouldn't make the mistake of moving the nest like I did.

[@andresostep]

XoletteLife no worries, you did a great job feeding and taking care of them till they were big enough to go away as free bunnies.

[@elktheindianspotteddeer1331]

@@XoletteLife momma rabbits only feed 1 or 2 times a day and a kit can rubble its waight during a feeding I raise rabbits

[@maddielen7210]

@x《Ķëýømé》x ...

[@maddielen7210]

@x《Ķëýømé》x never said it did.

[@desertsong8710]

I think you did an excellent job. Bunnies are a lot of work, way more than people think. We rescued a bunny and bonded so we kept her. God bless you I think you did a great job. The naysayers are the ones who wouldn't have cared for those babies like you did so don't pay attention to them.

[@organixgirl]

I just saved one from a rat snake who had taken it from the nest I couldn’t catch the snake but it knows where the nest is because it came back I’m scared to put it back in because the snake may come back

[@desertsong8710]

@@organixgirl yes, the snake will probably be back. Animals will return to where the food source is. Are there other babies?

[@bryanstumpf8643]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I found a baby bunny trapped in my window well. I was tipped off by the crow trying to attack it. I couldn't find the nest and didn't want to leave it. Your video was the most honest and helpful one. Thank you! Forget the haters.

[@davidangela1]

Please ignore the HIGHLY EDUCATED CRITICS, you did what YOU thought was best in that situation. A job well done in my opinion! You really went all out to save the rest of the babies. Atleast they all didn't die and you were able to experience them being set free. If you ever had to do it again, use what you learned the first time and STOP giving the HIGHLY EDUCATED CRITICS any explanations...you are grown!!!😄

[@XoletteLife]

davidangela1 I am grown! :) Thanks for the support.

[@suzyfrancis7895]

Agree with above - you did SO well - with syringe feeding its SO hard to do - ad you had no experience so you did AMAZINGLY!!!

[@XoletteLife]

Suzy Francis Thank you! I did my best. I had to feed antibiotics to my parrots using a syringe, so I used the tips the vet told me to make sure the kits didn't choke on the formula. Thank you again!

[@twohearted3788]

You're such a nice kind person

[@tgw318a]

This has been so helpful. I'm in the exact same situation. Mom built nest in a garden box that we were removing and It was discovered too late. I tried to rebuild the nest after doing some quick research. I watched it for 24 hours to make sure she returned. She did not and the hairless little babies were so dehydrated, thin and shaky. Since its Alabama in July and 4th of July weekend, no rehabbers could or would take them. So made an hour trip into Petco to load up on supplies. $100 and one week later, babies eyes have opened and they're almost ready to start trying some solids this week. Got the makeshift hut ready as I begin to handle them less to get them ready for release in a couple of weeks. Your video. and the Alabama rehabbers I've talked to for coaching, were life savers. Yes, we certainly should not disturb Nature. But, when Nature asks for our help, we need to take step up and take responsibility for our mistakes. You did great.

[@XoletteLife]

Wow! An hour trip to the pet store-- my pet store wasn't nearly that far away. It's great you took the time to help those kits out. It's hard work. I'm glad my video helped and thank you for sharing your experience!

[@itielrodriguez195]

I had to care for three cottontails that were left at a park In a blanket and followed your instructions as well as doing some research. All the bunnies survived and I was able to return them back into the woods thank you!

[@XoletteLife]

That is great to hear!! Thank you for sharing and I'm glad you were able to save them!

[@PotatoSaladMonkey]

A baby bunny is called a Kit

[@jesrabbit5162]

Buck or doe newborns are a litter

[@ExtinctionGoreStudios]

Warriors

[@fictional_8488]

Wow I never knew that!

[@vesselst]

Jes Rabbit a Buck is a male, a Doe is a female

[@Dxxnero]

Of cource we knew that are you calling us stupid cause your the one who stupid

[@user-ox2vd9cy8r]

I like how you made a mistake and learned from in and maybe others will learn from you in multiple ways. Thanks for saving the bunnies you did a very good job! It’s so amazing how you did all your research from being not knowing pretty much anything to teaching others everything! Thanks for saving the lil dudes once again ❤️

[@ilsabailey8195]

Awww I actually cried when the last two acted like they didn't even really act like they wanted to leave :`(. You did a wonderful job taking care of them Bless you

[@demiiwatson2081]

My friend's dog brought home some cotton tail babies after mom abandoned the nest a couple weeks ago so I sent her this video. She only had 1 survive i believe but now the bun is so attached to her that she chose to keep her as a pet! Their bond is incredible, little bun is about a month old now and goes everywhere with my friend. They're inseparable, it's so precious. Thank you for posting this, very helpful to others in similar situations. ❤

[@kokobeans5474]

I live in rural Texas all my life I’ve handled animals lots of baby rabbits I’ve handled them but never disturbed the nest and the mother always returned on one occasion after weeks of hard work I managed to gain the mother trust after leaving my scent nearby and providing food she began to trust me enough to handle her young and stay nearby she never fully trusted me but wasn’t frightened of me either eventually the rabbits grew up and they stayed in my yard eating my garden and shrubs the mother disappeared one day and was never seen again the babies as they continued to grow would leave my yard as they pleased staying away longer and longer until one by one they stopped coming back I was sad to see them go but happy that I had such a connection with nature I have attempted to replicate this several times and have had no sucess

[@delaneyyt_]

You did a good Deed I bet those bunnies will always remember you for all the things you did ❤️

[@emmaline8aj412]

poor mama :( but you would think that the mama would hear them squeaking or squealing or something

[@amandarobbins6779]

The mama has to get food for herself too :P

[@emilyrawls5346]

a lot of the times if you touch a wild animals baby and leave your scent on them the mom doesn't really want them anymore... its sad but its true, one time we found baby bunnies in our backyard under our pool system and we really wanted to move them but my mom searched somethings to find the best way to move them and we found a lot of articles saying the a lot of wild animals refuse their babies when they've been touched.

[@amandarobbins6779]

Emily Rwls that isn't usually true for rabbits. I know of many instances of rabbit mothers going back to their young after they've been touched by a human or a dog. But the reason might be due to the fact that rabbit mothers only go back to the nest about twice a day to feed their babies. And while they're out, they are at risk of dying themselves.

[@cherylputman7115]

@@emilyrawls5346 Old Wives Tale: ---"If you touch a baby the mother will smell the human scent on them and will reject or kill it." This is one of the most common myths we hear and it is absolutly untrue. This is most commonly heard in reference to birds. The reality is, very few birds in the world have any sense of smell at all and those who do smell either do not live in the US, or use their sense of smell to find rotting flesh, so human smell would not really bother them. With mammals this is not true either. The mom may think their baby smells gross, and give it a huge bath, but she will not reject or kill it. In most cases, the best help you can give to a baby is to put it back where its mother can find it.

[@tiffanybecker1591]

Being touched isnt true for rabbits. I raise them and have raised cotton tails and they take them if you touched them. I’m not sure about baby birds though.

[@johnvalencia7488]

You did what your heart and conscience told you to do. All props to a mom being a loving mom and doing what mom's do. I hope all of the bunnies flourished. 👍

[@kaytlinjustis5643]

I'm very impressed! Thank you so much for caring and helping them! I can't truly imagine saving and caring for wild baby bunnies! And they're so fast now! :) As someone who's owned rabbits for much of my life, I'd have NO idea how to care for wild bunnies! God bless you and your camera man for your kindness! :)

[@bearjunior]

Just a tip: don’t hold/lay rabbits on their back. They go into an unnatural shock! Good job on taking care of them!!!! ^^

[@tiffanybecker1591]

Kpop_Lolver baby kits nurse on their back.

[@chleprime1579]

Kpop_Lolver but they nurse on their back loll

[@CatalinaFOIA]

This would be after a bunny is done nursing or feeding from a syringe. Baby bunnies eat slightly propped on their back.

[@BlazericanHippie]

I kno this is like 2 years old lol and I know others have already said it but I feel the need to repeat. So others will not see your tip and it’s that’s correct because it’s not. Mother rabbits feed their kits while they are laying on their backs.

[@johnmurphy9586]

that is unbelievable! you took care of 6 cotton tails! your an animal hero!

[@stitchedpumpkin5905]

Thank you for the super detailed summary. I tore apart the mother's nest while weeding without realizing until something starting popping up and squeaking - baby rabbits crying out. I did my best to recreate the nest and layer grass across the top. Thankfully, the mother returned. This was what I planned to use if she didn't. Since mom returned, we went ahead and took them out to check their health and look for ticks, and returned them again. Their eyes are open now and they're doing great. Mom is definitely returning but I haven't even seen her yet. (Regarding the smell - we're completely fragrance free so most wild animals get pretty close to us. BO doesn't bother them like poisonous scents they're allergic to.) I have learned that total destruction of a nest still does not entice them to move the nest.

[@rukonxaior7192]

To the bunnies: Have fun in college...!

[@hunterwilliams6364]

Rukon Xaior lmao 😂😂😂😂😂

[@Rodent24]

Awwwww

[@ll1405]

And school High school bunnies 🎓💄👖👚👢

[@ll1405]

So funny

[@littlesquirrel5007]

I've raised bunnies , just like you it was a learning experience. It is hard work. You did great.

[@julianmcalister3247]

Risa Fey, right on and well said. We need more people like this in the world. I know people are going to frown on this, for I’m a hunter, and I can honestly say I’ll never hunt a rabbit again because it’s amazing this guys even make it to adulthood with the many things that can happen along the way.

[@nathaliep8512]

You know what? You did the best you could, with the best of intentions, with the knowledge and common sense you had or learned. Some ppl can just be jerks. I admire what you did, the time you took to try and help and the fact that you put yourself out there like this. Social media can be so amazingly good! (Forget those jerks who are, well, jerks.) We just discovered a little nest of 2 babies today, maybe 4 or 5 days old. Incredibly, the condo lawn guys mowed right over it 2 days ago, but all the little ones seem totally unscathed. We also have two small dogs who go back there several times a day.They sniff it, and leave it alone. For some reason, momma bunny decided this was going to be her kid's nursery. We just put a garden fence around the nest, and covered the top with a light sheet. Mother Nature will do the rest. xoxo

[@MyWorld-jc1kf]

You cared for them like their own mother❤❤ I know you made a mistake moving tehm from their nest, but you probably didnt know what could happen, and everyone makes mistaked but you still cared and helped❤❤this made me so happy

[@samiam2088]

You did a lot of learning by doing and knew basically nothing about rabbits. It's very intrinsic to want to care for baby animals, but it's not intrinsic to know the right way to do things. Same issue of human babies as well. Now you know a lot more than most people and this video can be extremely helpful to others who find orphaned infant rabbits. I think you did a great job, especially knowing nothing when you went into it.

[@XoletteLife]

Thank you. I appreciate your comment! :)

[@Kathleen67.]

You did a very thoughtful video. Your responses to those who didn't understand your video was thoughtful and will help anyone who reads them. The three of us learned a lot and very much enjoyed your video. Thank you.

[@kayadeangelis9344]

I love how attentive you are to these animals ❤️❤️

[@RedFastback11]

Thank you for this video! Not only dod you save those bunnys (your dog probably would have kept going back to the nest if you didn't move it) but you even took the time to record the Journey. I dont think anyone here can say they could do a better job! I can tell your a true animal lover! Great job! Blessings, Nancy

[@XoletteLife]

My dogs definitely would have went back to that nest. I'm glad you understood my intentions. Thank you!

[@wasimahmed5941]

Respect her dedication.... I would never be able to do fraction of it. Lots of love and respect....

[@robinbowman4549]

I'm so happy to see that although it was hard for you... Still you took responsibility for them and did the right thing ... most people these days are only concerned about themselves. And anything that takes effort and doesn't benefit them, they make excuses for not doing anything to help. Like," oh they'll be ok" or " nature will take care of it"... When WE interfere, even without meaning to... we've already disrupted the "NATURAL" process. And no matter how much people try to make it easier for themselves, it doesn't usually turn out well... So You should be happy and feel good in your soul that you went out of your way to help those babies that would have probably, (most likely) died without you.... You have a warm heart, and a compassionate soul.. ♡♡♡

[@XoletteLife]

Thank you!

[@isitoveryet9525]

My step mom found a nest of baby buns when she was gardening, years ago. She was worried sick because she moved around so many plants, and disturbed the area so badly, she new momma wouldn't come back. Thank goodness the wildlife officials took them to a sanctuary where they could be raised & released. My step mom was such a wreck, she was so upset and literally spent almost every morning & night on the back deck, waiting to see if the momma came back, for like a week and a half. I'm not sure why lol because there was really nothing she could've done, but she tried! You did such an amazing job!! Well done girl ❤

[@hannabyful]

I used to have a rabbit but she passed away her grave is in my garden I go to it everyday

[@cherylputman7115]

The way you did that comment, it sounds like a very sad rhyme or poem... Sorry to hear about your loss.

[@kitacamp9487]

Jon hannaby sorry for your loss 😇

[@emmaross119]

Awwww shes so caring! My favourite animals are bunnys and toucans

[@shanecook6869]

I rescued orphan cottontails before. I rescued them until they where adolescents. They escaped out of their cage that I kept them in and escaped into my vents. They all got out safely and im glad i saved them! I moved from the house I rescued them in and i used to see all 8 of them in my yard. I was so happy! Thanks for rescuing them!

[@scalwy]

I saved to baby Cotton Tails and had them for a month. They escaped our house but we still see them frolicking on our property every now and then. We just fed them straight milk and bought rabbit food from Petco. They really liked the milk and the food and they became plumper every week! I miss them so much!

[@gircutie1725]

Thank you for posting this! I've found an orphan and decided I would take care of him. I was glad I could find some advice

[@daffydill5807]

God will bless you for your compassion

[@melissa2146]

They are so adorable, I’m glad you looked after them.

[@lairdgaylor246]

Great job bunny mom! Good for you for taking the initiative to help out these little critters once their mother was unable to find them. I think God everyday for people like you! God bless you

[@salvinnadan3343]

"I fully expect them to die" "Me": 😥😥😪

[@RBNobody]

Salvin Nadan sad truth . Wild rabbits are a tough one .

[@designsonyouinparis]

Adorable! What an incredible job you guys did! I know how tough it is to save baby rabbits- we tried years ago after the mother passed away- you guys are amazing!

[@MetaGiga]

One of my cats once brought us an entire nest of three day old bunnies from somewhere in the neighborhood. Whenever we stopped him from killing one, he came back with another. We ended up with around five wild baby bunnies and not a clue what to do. My mom found the best and decided to move it so the cat didn’t find it again, despite me telling her not to. When the mom didn’t show and the bunnies were starving, I begged my mom to at least get the formula ingredients, but she refused. They died a few days later, but we made sure they were comfortable. I’m impressed that you managed to care for them so well!!! Good job!

[@abigailkeagle6249]

I think people criticising you is just mean. We once had two chipmunks as pets (my parents that is, I still have no idea why they wanted them!) But they turned a large garden shed into a mesh fronted hutch for them. One night they somehow escaped perhaps someone left the door open I'm not sure as I was quite young at the time. They were both killed and we found them on the garden. When going into the cage we found six squeaking babies! My parents did their best to raise them by hand feeding but sadly 4 died. The two that survived we ended up having for many years. It was sad that the babies and parents got killed and I personally will never understand my parents decision to have them in the first place. But it shows they truly cared about these animals as their pets and although mistakes were probably made they did their best to save the babies.

[@erichestnut9536]

Aww, thanks for caring for them! 0w0

[@journeyintotrucking1064]

Great video, very helpful for me. Our neighbors cat snagged a baby and my son brought it home because I used to raise Angora buns. However, I never had to feed my kits, the momma did her job. I was surprised they didn't warm up to you more being their source for food. You did an awesome job and thanks again for sharing your experience

[@amyblanchard5871]

I found your video super helpful. I discovered a momma bunny in my front yard and I am leaving it alone. But I am thrilled to have them here. Thank you for the video

[@zouheir2651]

Awesome thank you for saving there life

[@AmberU]

You did good you redeemed yourself they lived you gave them a chance.

[@jetta.silence6356]

I was so happy to see them eat so much and take off so fast into the woods. You did a wonderful thing. Some may not have even bothered to help them. And admitting your mistakes admirable. Thank you on behalf of animal babies everywhere❤🤗❤

[@monavines3079]

If you didnt touch them in the first place , nothing would've happened. And I knew you knew that. You're not dumb, you're in fact the smartest person on KZbin I watch.

[@plutothewolf1953]

The mama bunny when she comes back and the kids are gone: *there gone reduced to atoms*

[@Lofi.kitten.baby2.0]

Your comment made me die in a good way🤣🤣🤣

[@JawTooth]

Awesome video! I will give a thumbs up

[@brookejenkins9613]

Thank you for admitting your mistake that you shouldn’t have moved them. I know a few other people who have openly claimed it wasn’t their fault that an animal has died or a mother has left their babies. And the fact that you could admit that you made a mistake, with moving them, moving the area around, the formula, let’s me have so much more respect for you. 👏👏

[@scarletfokx1449]

I'm so touched, and proud of you for taking responsibility for them!

[@allisonabraham2933]

I’m so sad that ones lost

[@nightcoremania1540]

I found 2 after my dog killed the mother and 3 babies, 1 was not very healthy, which is the one that died, his names was kizzy, and leo the other little boy would refuse to leave so now lives in a big chicken house with a run in my backyard :3

[@ThePink123candy]

We just found some baby cottontails in our backyard (which currently has construction going on) so we moved the nest ten feet away from where it originally was. I’ve already ordered everything you named in this video just in case mama doesn’t come back. Thank you so much for the information. I know the odds aren’t in their favor but I will do anything to give them a chance!

[@traceyl9959]

What a sweet and kind lady. ☺

[@suzilindblad5207]

You were a good bunny mama🐰

[@claradavis3316]

and i have a bunny that is blind i take care of and i found it in my backyard when it was a baby

[@rayo3661]

So nice of you to do this for them.You definitely my hero.

[@timjordan6703]

Thanks for being a kind person and for saving the bunnies. You are truly amazing! I found a baby bunny last night that was about 10 days old. It was late and all I had was water and warmth. The bunny died during the night. I buried him this morning. You and your husband did a, wonderful thing. Thank you.

[@XoletteLife]

I'm sorry to hear that-- it is difficult at the last minute trying to find food for a rabbit. I remember having to wait for PetSmart to open and hoping I got the formula in time! Thank you for your comment.

[@lalak4615]

Awe.. You made them orphans.. Poor babies. I hope they end up surviving.. Wild bunnies are fragile. They still looked little when you sent them into the wild..

[@XoletteLife]

I mention that moving the nest is a mistake and shouldn't be done. I sent them into the wild on the recommended day (they had been weaned off milk for several days and were eating on their own by that time).

[@lalak4615]

XoletteLife I'm glad you nursed the bunnies and looked after them while you could. I'm sorry I was hard on you. I know not everyone would have fed them and looked after them.

[@agamrehal6966]

I did the same thing because my friends dog was killing them so we found 7 more and the bunnies mother abandoned them so me and my friend took care of them but eventually had to let them go because they were jumping out of our box we kept them in it was fun but also a lot of stress

[@MemoriesInMonochrome]

THE FORMULA IS THE CURE!! 💖✊💯👏🏼🐰🐇 YOU ARE AMAZING!!! YOU DID AMAZING!!! 💖✊👏🏼💯

[@janaj2748]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. Last night I stumbled upon a cottontail bunny nest right next to my front porch, they jumped out and hopped right up to me! I looked all over the net trying to find an estimate of how old they could be according to their size, and your video was the only one documented well enough so that I could determine that. It rained so hard today, all day, so I had to bring them inside my house to get them warm & dry. I returned them right before dusk, hoping their mother would come back to feed them, but she didn’t, and now one has died. I’m determined to save the other two. Thanks again so much for the video!

[@she.hates_gloomy9961]

Did you know its impossible to blink while smiling😊 Jk just wanted to make you 🙂

[@christina-mz1lp]

Omg! 😂🤣

[@SulfurTheCat]

Nop

[@margaretrayburn8031]

Dang it

[@holyroomba2814]

Lol thanks!

[@idkwhat4572]

Nope

[@vera8687]

I was like oh no one of the rabbits died *realization* Oh she literally lost the rabbit

[@chrischanflushed2467]

Miguel Montano one of them did die 😔

[@leighramunni4108]

Thank you so much for this. I have a single baby cotton tail I found shivering in the lawn. No momma anywhere and 2 other siblings were dead. I have him on a heating pad and now that he is no longer hypothermic I needed to feed him. I had no clue what to do. This video is a huge help!!!!

[@XoletteLife]

I'm glad it helped! Be sure to read the links for extra information. Best of luck!

[@tcems819]

Thank you for making this video! With your advice I was able to successfully raise four orphaned baby bunnies! We released them last week.

[@annykanjana4789]

This is the most helpful video by far, thank you !! I live here in az where the temperature is over 100 degrees so we brought them inside and at what age did you give them Bene-bac and how often ?? I hope I can safe these bunnies also

[@XoletteLife]

Anny Kanjana You have to check the website-- I think it was immediately? I didn't do a few things at first because I didn't read the entire website when I first started feeding them (it's long and I had to get to the pet store quickly). Best of luck to you!

[@chaysewilson7601]

This helped me a lot. I would make a vid on it but I don't want all the triggered commenters. I have 3 orphan bunnies in my room. I haven't seen the mother at all

[@XoletteLife]

Coral The One Haha. Yeah, I didn't expect a bunch of hate in the comments either, but I figure that's probably a small percentage of viewers. Glad this helped and good luck!

[@chaysewilson7601]

XoletteLife me either and thank you (づ◉Ѡ◉)づ

[@sarahcote5366]

C.12 - Gaming and more The mother comes twice a day at maximum.

[@offbrand_2863]

How did you find them what happened

[@Outnumberedbykidsandcats]

XoletteLife I would have expected it in your position because KZbin is full of know it alls who have never made a mistake in their lives. It makes them feel good to have a go at others

[@andra-hz2th]

this is amazing! the time you take out of your day is so caring we need more people like yoh💘

[@1capatter]

Loved the vid. I found a set of five baby rabits in my raised bed. I put a night cam up and the mother didn't come back for two days. Thought they were abandoned because my son, who's 9, kept messing with them. It was weird because the mother rabit would come once every couple of days on avg. The babies would always come out of their nests when we would check on them, so cute. They disappeared after they got a little bigger. After watching this vid I am so glad that I didn't try to help them initially. My wife and my son wanted to take them inside and feed them after we initially found them and the mother was nowhere to be found for a couple of days. Great job on taking care of those rabits.

[@XoletteLife]

Thank you and I'm glad you didn't make the mistake that I did! It's interesting how the mother only visits and doesn't stay with the kits. Maybe she only visited once every 2 days because she was weaning them off milk? That's my guess. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@1capatter]

@@XoletteLife Have no idea. Read through some of the comments in this thread. People can be so judgmental. Hidsight is 50/50, Again, thanks for sharing, hopefully this vid helps others out.

[@doctorkwack101fan]

YOU SAVED THEM GOOD JOB!!!!!!

[@littleanimeweeb1345]

doctorkwack101fan I saw a comment say "You dumb you sholdve let thm theere" like first all GO BACK TO SCHOOL AND LEARN PROPER GRAMMAR and second of all if she would've let them there they would've died 😂

[@rabagos19]

Wow I watched this on its 3rd year anniversary of its publish (Jul 21)

[@gamergirl6618]

Thank you so much! I saved 4 from the road and am raising them. This really helped me! Thank you soooooo much! Keep doing what you are doing! You did a fantastic job

[@garywaters6356]

Great job. We also encountered a similar situation this morning. Thank you much for your insight.

[@LizzieMartinez-pm2zq]

I'm so sad rn my.dog killed a one of these and I started crying I looked for more but there were none

[@opheliacole8795]

Lizzy's Vida I feel you! My dog attacked one but we luckily saved it in time, I’m sorry I thought I was gonna witness a death so I cried too

[@LizzieMartinez-pm2zq]

@@opheliacole8795 yeah 😭😭😭