Kids and Bunnies!?

[Tungi]

Hi, I just bought my first pet bunny! My son had been after me for awhile to get him a pet. We live in a small studio and a dog, or his first choice of a DUCK was not an option! So day before yesterday we went to pet store “just to look”, and came home with a 8 week old bunny! I asked like 100 questions of the lady at the pet store and she was really amazed with how well my son bonded with and reacted to the bunny and she encouraged it. However, I get the bunny home and my son turns into a monster! Haha! I mean he is sweet and nice and lovely, but to an overly extent. We bought a carrier and he is always wanting to take her on walks and outside to play with his cousin…And I’m scared he is going to turn the bunny into a nutzoide! First day jitters maybe,!? The bunny does seem ok, but she does do the light shake/tremor breathing thing that I have read on the forum too… If my son take her out of the cage and puts her down and sits down calmly, she will actually hop over to investigate him… I guess I’m just concerned, should I return the bunny? It’ll break my sons heart, but I’m worried about the bunnies heart too! Is he too much? Help!!

Thanks!

[Roberta]

First, how old is your son ?
Education is the key and if you can teach him the right way and he takes to it then */@CELEBRATIONS@/* because it means you have helped add another human being to the world that will love and care for animals (which I suspect you already have him almost all the way there already). If the bunny is approaching him then she is not afraid but as you said the excess attention can be stressful. Most of the excitement will wear off in a few days but in between you are going to need to monitor him. Might I suggest you sit down at the computer together and he can compose some of his own questions about his new bunny to post here and as he gets the answers and his knowledge grows I believe that the pride he will feel in himself for caring for the bunny will quickly settle him. It will be information he has found himself and he will be eager to follow the instructions.

[Roberta]

Oh, and a little time out place would be good for her especially whilst settling in. What sort of rabbitat have you provided for her. That could be another good project for your son. There are soe wonderful ideas in the info pages for indoor housing… But time out is essential when they have just arrived.

[bunnylova123]

There are some very good books on rabbits for young children out there, Walker books:How to look after your rabbit by Colin and Jacqui Hawkins is good for young children, and collins family pet guides rabbit is good for older children. Maybe get him to make toys for her with you, most children like to make things and that’s how I get my younger brother, who is 8, to get involved with Vienna.

[BinkyBunny]

I am thankful that your concern for the bunny’s welfare, in regards to your sons excitement, is being voiced. I know must be diffcult and it’s obvious you love your son and care about the bunny as well.  Rabbits many times have been thought of as a “child’s pet” when actually rabbits are not necessarily cuddly and interactive like a dog or cat and thus can’t match some children’s expectations and excitement without it causing severe stress on the bunny. However, you noticed the bunny’s reaction and I do agree that there is still a chance to educate what your son “expects” vs vs what a bunny really needs to feel safe. Some great points have been made! Thanks Roberta

Here are some links to help with children and bunnies
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/…bit-people
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/children.html
http://www.rabbit.org/journal/4-9/kids.html 

http://www.rabbitadoption.org/kids.html

Only you know your son and whether he can settle down enough, and appreciate the “prey”nature, and learn how to not scare the bejeebeeze out of the bunny. If he’s too boisterous or excitable, doesn’t mean he’s a bad kid. Just means he’s a passionate kid who has energy and excitement to offer…..and maybe it’s not the best match for this situation. This is something only you can decide. : ) I understand your concern, this is a 10 year commitment!

Keep us updated. I hope we can help!

[Tungi]

He’s 6 next month.. I read him your response, haha, and his eyes got all big and he said he’d try!

[Tungi]

Thank you all for your helpful words, I will try! 

[Roberta]

He sounds like a pretty awesome young man. I think the bun is going to have a good life.

[Author]

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