My daughter will be 8 yrs old in 3 weeks, and she has been begging for a pet bunny. She is very mature and responsible for her age, and I think she'd be great w/one (I know she wouldn't get bored w/it, etc...). There are 2 issues, though. #1) I know nothing about rabbits - we never had one as kids #2) I will HAVE to make sure Kodee Bear is kept away from the bunny at all times, forever (I believe). She has her own room, and I thought we could put a lock on the door, so my younger boys (6 and 3) can't go in and accidentally let Kodee in w/bunny. (It would be the kind of lock that we can open from the outside w/the little straight key-thing). I already spoke w/a knowledgeable person at a pet store, and I know the basic food requirements, etc. I know they can be litter-box trained, and they said that a bedroom would be plenty of room for a rabbit to get exercise when my daughter is home (and bunny is not in her cage). The did say that we should get it spayed/neutered to prevent cancer, which is fairly common in the un-fixed rabbits. (We'd definitely get it fixed).

What do you all think? I need any other input on how to how to take care of bunnies, and opinions on whether this might be too big a p.i.t.a. I'm willing to do it, just want to make sure I'm totally informed and have thought of this from all angles before (if) we get one.

Thanks for you input!!!

total PITA, raise the rabbits and feed them to Kodee and yourselves, tastes just like chicken

Check out http://www.mypetrabbit.com; this might be helpful. Good luck!

i fostered rabbits for a long time, kept them as house rabbits, they make amazing pets. your biggest worry will be the dog.

rabbits are easily litterbox trained once spayed/neutered, and are very cat like. they can be clicker trained too.

check out http://rabbit.org/

i suggest an adult rabbit, and preferably a larger breed rabbit. it wil be easier and safer for a child to handle(dwarf rabbits are too fragile).

also, once fixed, rabbits do best in pairs(m/f) generally, they are VERY social animals, living in extensive warrens in the wild. you can even adopt already fixed, already litter trained bonded pairs, if you choose to go that route.

you can pm me if you want, for various set ups, housing ideas and whatnot. i've done the rabbit thing, for sure, lol.

Well,
If or when your daughter loses interest in the pet gig.

You've always got a meal for the dog.

Rabbits that are litter trained can be 'free range' as long as the house or their area is properly proofed, especially with regards to wires. If not kept free-range they should have a large cage area and lots of time out. You will likely find litter box training easier with fixed rabbits.

Is there a reason why Kodee can't be around the rabbits? Luc is perfectly fine with mine, actually my male rabbit is extremely dominant and isn't even scared of Teagan, though they don't get to mix. Still.

Rabbits are more work than cats, if you are considering it that way.

They should always have a range of fresh greens - kale, collards, romaine, etc, etc - and grass hays. Alfalfa hay is often given for rabbits and while it's good for young rabbits I wouldn't give it except as a treat for grown rabbits. I would put rabbit kibble lowest on their diet, especially if you are giving good grass hay and a range of greens.

How much time will your daughter have for the rabbit? They are pack animals are well and need social interaction.

I would avoid getting a rabbit from the pet store (about as good as getting a dog there) but instead look at local shelters or rescues - I used to volunteer for a rabbit rescue and you can have the benefit of a foster home who knows the animal. You might consider an already bonded pair as they really are social.

 Quote: randy allen

Well,
If or when your daughter loses interest in the pet gig.

You've always got a meal for the dog.

That's horrible!!! (but still kind of funny). LOL!!!

just mho, you got a prey animal and a carnivore in the same house together and don't forget about your dog also

Thanks. I've been asking around, and I think you're right. Prey animal + GSD is just not going to work. Because I know that even though my daughter and I can be vigilant and careful, I can almost promise you one of the kids is going to accidentally let the dog in with the bunny, leading to a broken-hearted daughter. So as much as I hate to disappoint her, I think we'll have to do something else.

My husband said "get her smaller-breed puppy." I was shocked! I'm not ready for another dog, either. I just now am getting Kodee out of the puppy stage, and into the "good dog" stage. LOL!

Forget the house rabbit thing with dogs and kids.

Get a big cage for the bunny, I built a shelf (about the height of a kitchen counter), storage underneath, bunny on top.

Bunny gets free exerscise outside in a secure run with supervision. Only allowed out in bedroom if girl is in there with it and door shut, for short periods only.

I have a setup like this in my living room and even visiting dogs ignore the cage as it is above head height. Not that they couldn't get up there if they wanted but my two adult dogs (and 3 cats)are left in the room when I go out with no issues.