Resources on rabbits – from the Humane Society

[Nicci607]

just came across this info from the Humane Society.

watch the video.

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/rabbits/

the white lop in there is pretty cool

 

[Sadie]

I have seen this video before, I think it’s a great short course introduction to rabbit “ownership” (of course, sometimes I wonder who is being owned. I’m pretty sure you can make a case for the one who cleans up the poo)

I like the video, but I really wish people would be a little more accepting of combining rabbits and children. I have 3 kids, ranging in age from almost 2 to almost 9, all boys. I think that if you are careful and a good bunny-mom along with being a good and watchful parent to your human kids, a rabbit is a great pet. I haven’t had my rabbit for long, but I am really encouraged by the interaction between my middle son (4 and 1/2) and my rabbit, I think he’s learning a lot about how to take care of animals and how to treat things that are smaller than you. At first, after watching videos like these and reading articles about rabbits and kids, I was worried, but with the right kid (and the right referee to observe the interaction) a rabbit makes an educational and fulfilling pet experience. (although not the first interaction with animals, I guess I can go with that. All my kids have been around animals of various shape, size, temperament and phyla since he came home from the hosptial)

My point is just that you shouldn’t rule out getting a rabbit simply because you have kids.

When our little baby bunny Gazpacho is getting sleepy and wants to cuddle with one of us, he hops over to Noah the 4 year old, not me.

I also like the part about the rabbit cages they sell at petstores. Why the heck do they sell those anyway? I guess because people will buy them. We got a petstore cage for Gazpacho (off of CL) because it was cheap, pretty and I ad no idea about NIC cages yet. But, we are already drawing up plans for an addition.

Sorry, this post wasn’t about the video so much, but it was inspired by it. I do like the video, if only to watch the cute little bunnies hopping around. Thanks for posting it!  

[Elrohwen]

Sadie, I agree that well behaved kids will be fine with a bunny if supervised. I had gerbils from the age of 8 and I’m sure we could’ve had a bunny – I was always good and quiet with animals.

I think the problem comes in when a lot of parents think the rabbits are a good pet *for* the kids. That the kids will take over the care. I think a lot of rabbits get neglected when the kids stop caring for them and the parents aren’t really ready to step in and do the work either. That’s certainly not the case in your family – you’re not one of the parents who worry the bunny community 😉

[kralspace]

Thanks for posting the video link!

I love the plastic swimming pool full of hay and I may try that in my common area. Each couple likes to get out there and out poo/pee each other, maybe they’ll put most of it in something like that.

[Sadie]

I was just wondering about that giant swimming pool of hay – how do you keep that clean?

How much hay must that guy go through?

[mocha200]

i think this vidio is really good. if only we could show it to every one who wants to adopt a rabbit.

[kralspace]

This would be a good one to post on Craigslist for people thinking about getting a rabbit

[MirBear]

yes it woul be good to post on cl
i sent it to my mom.
they dont focus on spay/neuter though and that disapointed me… alot!

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By Sadie on 03/23/2010 12:35 PM

 

My point is just that you shouldn’t rule out getting a rabbit simply because you have kids.
 

Sadie, I agree with you – with a responsible adult there is no reason that supervised interaction can’t happen with young kids, and they can learn how to respect and care for a rabbit the right way.   Even one of our own forum leaders has a young child and two rabbits and I am so glad to have that aspect represented.  

 I think, like others have mentioned, that too many times parents and other adults think that rabbits can just be taken care of by kids….or even be just a classroom pet.  I think because I have seen the other end of it, volunteering for rescue groups where rabbits are  being given up because their “child” can no longer care for it properly or it didn’t turn out to be the “classroom” pet they had hoped for….that the rabbits are  then given up to shelters and become at risk for euthanasia— this is why there may be such caution.    I so wish all parents were like you, then we wouldn’t have to ever worry about cautioning. It’s amazing though how many parents and adults think that  rabbits just make great pets for children with minimal or no supervision.   Many can learn alot from you and so I am so glad you have voiced what you have. You set a wonderful example.  (AND geesh do we need it, if you stay here long enough, you will read some frustrating posts of kids and teens wanting to get vet care for their rabbit and their parents stand in the way of that )

 

Nicci607 - Thanks for posting that.  That is the first time I have seen that and since I am getting ready to send out a BB Newsletter, part of which is discussing Easter “BUNNIY” caution, I will be happy to include that link in for educational purposes. 

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