Hi there. My DD aged almost 7 has always adored animals and has been asking for a pet for a really long time. We are thinking that perhaps we will buy her two rabbits for her birthday. I have started doing some reading about how to look after them properly, what sort of equipment we'll need and so on. But I thought perhaps I could get some really straightforward information here too.
I understand that many breeds of rabbits are not friendly and cuddly. Obviously we would like the breed that most gives itself to be a proper pet that are child friendly. What breeds should I be looking at?
The rabbits will live in a hutch in the garden. What type of hutch would be best?
Where should be buy the rabbits? We live in the South East.
What other considerations are there?
Thank you all
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Small pets
Rabbits
TwoInTheMourning · 08/06/2014 14:41
Firstly only get animals from a rescue if you can. They do have babies if you want them but actually adults tend to be less skittish and the rescue can tell you about their personalities. You will need as big an enclosure as you can which will need to be fox proof and have access to a large run which will also need to be fox proof and dig proof (bunnies will dig out). You will need to think about how you are going to insulate it in winter and keep it cool in summer. Most hutches in pet shops are not big enough for a rabbits needs.
Rabbits generally do not like being picked up and can scratch and kick if they are held too long. They do, however, love being stroked and will sit happily to be petted so long as their paws are on the ground. If your DD wants a cuddly pet then rabbits are not the way to go - get guinea pigs instead.
You need to think about what you will do when you go away. Do you have someone to care for your pets (including cleaning them out) or will you be putting them in boarding? Also rabbits need (for their health and your sanity) to be neutered (about £50 each) and annual vaccinations. You will need to clip their claws and groom them (this is not easy
).
They need to be fed pellets (not the muesli food) and regular cleaning out. They are allowed some veg but there's a lot they can't eat - very sensitive stomachs.
Remember that any pet will be your responsibility - children help but rarely do the full care required. Rabbits can live 5-10 years so it can be a big commitment. Children often lose interest around 13 ish and from then on it's down to you. My DDs were great with our animals when younger but they are now nearly 14 and only give them occasional cuddles. Luckily I'm slightly besotted with the small furry ones so I love taking care of them (2 GPs and a house rabbit) but not everyone feels the same and a lot of animals end up in rescues because the children lost interest.
Really not trying to put you off but I think it's better to be informed before you bring a fluffy into your family.
If you want a cuddly pet GPs are definitely the way to go - they are more interactive than rabbits, chat away, will eat almost anything and will sit on knees for hours (although they will wee on you ). Similar requirements re hutches/runs as rabbits although they don't dig.
Again get from a rescue and they will give you a settled pair and make sure you don't end up with male/female. They don't need vaccinations or neutering but still need claw clipping. They also need bathing which is fun.
If the cuddle factor is important then get GPs. They do look a bit rodenty but are so funny it's hard not to become besotted. I was not keen on the idea of them initially (holds hands over GPs ears and also hopes 70 is not reading this 
) but love them now.
They chat a lot and love cuddles and being fed - especially being fed. They are excellent mowers of lawns and also fertilise it in their own special way. They squeak to greet you and are much easier to pick up and handle than rabbits. My DH was also not keen but we can spend afternoons watching them in their run - they are bonkers.
Do you know anyone who has some that you can visit and have a cuddle? Definitely try a rescue if you can. IME children love the idea of giving a home to a homeless animal more than they like the idea of babies from a pet shop. The rescue will also give you loads of advice.
holds hands over GPs ears and hopes 70 is reading this
No, no, I never wander -or binky- onto rabbit threads 
Though I did spend an hour reading the A Hutch Is Not Enough site which was informative and heart breaking in equal measure .
Current Bun welcomes you onto rabbit threads 70 - he's hoping to convert you onto a more long eared animal
Thank you Current Bun but I'm sticking to the little non-taileys with the geranium leaf ears
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