I’m sorry to hear this BRM – I am going to delete your website information as we do not allow members to promote or sell their merchandise on our website.

This doesn’t make sense. What difference does it make on how you earn the money? I can understand you dad wanting you to pay for them. Ah, the lessons parents try to teach us. But why can’t the money come from, say, babysitting? Why does it have to be from things that you sell?

Even if you can raise the money is your dad still committed to paying for care/vet bills/ect… ? If he changed his mind so easily about this could be do so again in the future when a bunny needs medical care?

I might take this as a sign and wait until you can get a job and pay for your bunnies needs on your own.

Sometimes when a member learns about the long term obligations of owning a bunny, and very often, when a younger member’s parents learn it as well, there is a change of plans. It can be so much more involved than originally expected, that in circumstances like yours, it just doesn’t happen as planned. In that case, you can learn all about what a bunny needs to be a companion for many years, and make it a goal for yourself for when you are a bit older and living on your own.
If you want a pet, I know that we had guinea pigs for pets while I was in middle school through high school. They are a lot less work and expense than a bunny, cat or dog, and still sweet and fun as pets. It’s sad to have to compromise, but your parents make the decision in the end when they are responsible for you, so you are kind of stuck with their decisions for a few more years yet. Maybe you can have a smaller animal for now (I had piggies for 6 years) that you will all love. It’s not the same, I know, but it may help table the conflict over bunnies for now.

P.S. I can’t find whether you own a bunny yet or not. Sounds like you are still just about to. If you have one or more already, please, for their sake, either get a commitment for keeping it for years, or return it asap to get a new home. Bunnies do not do well being rehomed, and it’s important for a young bunny to feel secure. I hope this helps.

Posted By RabbitPam on 01/05/2014 04:34 PM

Sometimes when a member learns about the long term obligations of owning a bunny, and very often, when a younger member’s parents learn it as well, there is a change of plans. It can be so much more involved than originally expected, that in circumstances like yours, it just doesn’t happen as planned. In that case, you can learn all about what a bunny needs to be a companion for many years, and make it a goal for yourself for when you are a bit older and living on your own.
If you want a pet, I know that we had guinea pigs for pets while I was in middle school through high school. They are a lot less work and expense than a bunny, cat or dog, and still sweet and fun as pets. It’s sad to have to compromise, but your parents make the decision in the end when they are responsible for you, so you are kind of stuck with their decisions for a few more years yet. Maybe you can have a smaller animal for now (I had piggies for 6 years) that you will all love. It’s not the same, I know, but it may help table the conflict over bunnies for now.

This is very true Pam and I like you suggestions.

BunnyMania – I agree with Pam here. Unfortunately, sometimes parents’ change their minds on things. It totally sucks and I still don’t see why your dad would put restrictions on how you earn your own money. I wouldn’t want you to be put in a situation though where you get a bunny and then your parents refuse to seek medical care for it. That would be really awful for both you and the bunny.

It does seem strange that he won’t let you “earn” through extra chores or other means. If it’s just your regular chores, then of course, I understand that, as that is just part of being in a family unit. You do your share. However, I agree with Pam and MD that even if you made $100 through his requirements, that really isn’t enough. Check out our cost page for more cost details. https://binkybunny.com/BUNNYINFO/tabid/53/CategoryID/4/PID/940/Default.aspx

In another post, you had said you would have to be responsible for ALL costs. Vet care can be really expensive and most everyone here has had to take their bunny to the vet at least once. Also since rabbits can live to be over 10 years old (My bunny is estimated to be around 10 years old). That means these bunnies you may in your 20’s and so much happens in your life between now and then that may be hard for you to imagine or understand.

I can imagine how hard it must be to want something so bad, and plan for it and research and yet not be able to do it because your parents call the shots. It must be frustrating.

Since you are so enthusiastic and have researched so much, maybe there are rescues or shelters nearby that would allow you to volunteer. I know around here, as long as the parents sign a form and can provide transportation, then they will allow youth volunteers. The bunnies there would be happy to be fed, cared for, get their cages cleaned, and get some affection while they wait to be adopted out.

Posted By BB on 01/05/2014 06:24 PM
Since you are so enthusiastic and have researched so much, maybe there are rescues or shelters nearby that would allow you to volunteer. I know around here, as long as the parents sign a form and can provide transportation, then they will allow youth volunteers. The bunnies there would be happy to be fed, cared for, get their cages cleaned, and get some affection while they wait to be adopted out.

I wholeheartedly agree with this suggestion. What better way to learn about rabbits and make a difference to them.
Also, stick around on the forums here as you’ll continue to learn lots.