Possible Adoption

[AlexsMom]

Hello everyone, I might be adopting a bunny soon, possibly as soon as tomorrow, however it may not happen at all which is something I'm hoping you all could help me with. I have a 2 year old daughter and I know rabbits are not recommended as pets for children. However, at 2 years old I don't know how it could really be considered her pet at all. Obviously it would be mine and under my care and intense supervision with her, but my question is I guess, in general since I know it varies rabbit to rabbit, how deep is the "not good for kids" part? Like, is it one of those things they say to stray people away from getting their child "easter bunnies" and letting them handle it like a ragdoll? Or if I were to adopt an adult easy going bunny, would she be able to sit with it on the floor and pet it? We have cats and overall they're friendly, but like most, they don't like to be "messed with" so she's not allowed to pick them up and can only pet them gently. Along with occasionally sneaking treats :rollseyes This is kind of the same sort of situation I'm hoping for. She loves to help, so helping with cage cleanings and feeding and have it out on the floor for some pets and light "play." I of course don't want to traumatize it or bring it into our home if I'm doing the wrong thing. I've been researching and find a varying amount of info on the topic. I've also been watching videos of some bunny interactions on YouTube and it seems that they overall are pretty social and like to be out and about with people. So this leads me to believe that if I'm controlling my kid like you're supposed to, it might work out well. But then again, this is new to me and why I'm asking this extremely long question right now lol I just want to do the right thing, whether it's adopting one, or not. If this helps any, I'm looking at shelters and rescues for adults and was told a larger type would be best, personality pending. This is one I may go see tomorrow depending on any opinions I receive. Thanks in advance for any responses

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/16428732

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

I think that most of it is that some parents get a young child (under 5) a pet and expect that child to take care of it. The child then gets bored of the pet in a week or 2 and the parent ends up taking care of the pet and resenting it.

If you get the pet for yourself and will do all the work, then it should be fine. Your daughter could help feeding or cleaning the cage, but you would be there to supervise and would do it if she isn't interested that time.
It is mostly that you as a parent need to realize that a 2 year old child can't be expected to take care of any animal. At that age, they are barley potty trained, working on dressing and feeding themselves and you have to remind them to pick up toys.

Any interaction with the rabbit would need to be supervised and controlled by you. She should not carry the rabbit and should be sitting when she is holding the rabbit. You could have a small container of treats she can give the rabbit and put the daily limit in, even if it is only a 2-3 pieces. You should also teach her to leave the rabbit alone when it is in the cage, especially for the first few days.

You do need to find the right rabbit. Some rabbits are shy, so a child might be too much for them. Other are more outgoing and can tolerate a child better. You don't want an aggressive rabbit, but one that may nip if it has had enough could be one to consider. Since you are wanting to adopt, take your daughter and interact with a few rabbits. Find one that clicks with you and her. Don't worry too much about breed, colour or other physical attributes.

ETA: The rabbit you are looking at seems like a good choice. He is larger which means he is probably a bit calmer than a smaller breed. Larger breeds are also less appealing for a child to pick up and carry around, so that is a plus. As an adult, you know what his personaility is like and he will probably be neutered. If you and your daughter get along with him, he should be a great bunny for you.

 

[Nela]

I agree with everything Kate said. I think introducing children to pets at a young age is great, as long as the adult doesn't expect the child to actually care for it. Supervision at all times is really important of course but I think you understand what it involves.I also agree on the larger breeds. I have found them to be much more mellow although this is a general statement. They are still fragile, and some peoplethink they are tough just because they are bigger but that isn't the case. Any rabbit needs to be handled with care. Your child sitting on the floor and petting the rabbit is the best way to go. I'm sure they could both enjoy that.I hope you will get the rabbit and be very happy with it:biggrinI love big bunnies!)

 

[joeyC19]

I have an 18 month old and in my opinion it is all about supervision. My son loves to watch Bonnie and to have a little supervised pat with her, and to help me give her a treat. But I would never leave him unsupervised with her or let him carry her around. If you treat the bunny like your pet and let your child interact with the bunny while you are there and supervising then I think that is great. Cute bunny you have chosen by the way! Let us know how it turns out.

 

[Pipp]

Great thread, great comments.

So nice to see someone doing their research! :bouquet:

All of my rabbits will always come up to me if I'm sitting on the floor. I sitting or lying human is like a magnet, LOL!

I think I have nine rabbits in my care. Four of them are pet monsters, they want to get pets, they love hands, especially my Flemish. He puts his nose under my hand and lifts it onto his head. My mini-rex flattens and waits for attention. My two dwarfs also LOVE being stroked, but they're zippy, so its more on their terms. I'm totally bonded to one of them, but that came out of lots of patience, gently stroking her eyes, etc, like another rabbit grooming her, and she grooms/licks me back.

I just fostered a little Holland Lop who loved all human contact, he followed me everywhere, jumped in my lap, but he wasn't a fan of 'hands', he'd dodge them.

The other four don't like hands at all. I can pet two of them if I'm patient (although I can't pick them up).

The other two are new and they won't let a hand touch a hair but they're quiet when they're picked up.

Rabbits are very reactive. To a large extent, the more time you spend with them, the friendlier they are -- as long as they see the time as enjoyable and not nerve wracking.

I like rabbits as a well-supervised kids pet because they're all so gentle and clean. Being herbivores, they don't carry anything nasty. You can pick their poops up and not feel like you've been handling feces. Almost never any germs or parasites, and not even any residue.

Rescues are great because they will have a rabbit in foster care, they'll know the disposition and they'll usually allow you to foster first to make sure its a good match. A good rescue will take it back years later should it become necessary.

And the rabbits are (or should be) already spayed or neutered, important with children around. Rabbits go through a terrible teen phase (the only time any of mine have every been nippy or neurotic), best to avoid that scenario.

Thanks for asking!


sas :bunnydance: