Are we nuts? (pet related)

[RitaZ.]

Our neighbor's DDs got dwarf bunnies for Easter and they are the cutest little things!!!

Since then, my kids want us to get bunnies. DH has asthma, so most pets are out of the question for us. My neighbor bought a cage (wooden) and keeps the bunnies outside, they are doing well. We figured we could do the same, this way DH won't be affected by dander.

Are we nuts? Any experiences with bunnies?

 

[grinningghost]

Aren't bunnies the cutest things?

My cousins had a bunny and he was WONDERFUL. They kept him inside and rarely was he in his cage. He would just hop around the house like a cat or dog. He would jump up on your lap when you were watching TV and was so sweet. He came when you called him. It amazed me.

He was also a clean bunny - no messes all over the house, if you know what I mean.

I don't know if they're all like him, but he was a great pet. Good luck to you.

 

[alabamaalan]

Oh sure, you think they are cute and cuddly until..

But good luck in your decision!

 

[LindaR]

You can litterbox train rabbits. Keep in mind that chewing is non-stop and they can chew thru cords, wires, etc.

Keeping them outside...........well, they require quite a bit of care. Cleaning the pen once a day (they potty ALOT), keeping them from extreme heat and cold, making sure the pen is predator-proof, exercising them, feeding them approved rabbit food (not lettuce and carrots).

Rabbits are not very long lived. Well cared for, they may live to 7 or 8 years. They are not very hardy and cannot handle rough handling and WILL bite when necessary.

Yes, they are cute. Think carefully with your head, not your heart.

I had a rabbit when I was a kid. He lived to be 8 years old. He was alot more work than any dog I ever had!

 

[grinningghost]

Speaking of killer rabbits...

Has anyone read any of the Bunnicula books? My DD loved these books when she was younger and they were hysterical. I would even recommend them to adults.

 

[RitaZ.]

Linda, thanks for the tips. BTW, I didn't mean I was going to leave them outside unattended, I meant in our screened in patio.

My neighbor showed me several pieces of furniture that the bunnies have chewed on, I couldn't believe it! She also mentioned that they like to bite.

That's why I posted, I wanted to hear about first-hand experiences with bunnies.

They are really cute, I must say. Anyone else?

 

[LindaR]

Do you have other pets?

They can also (with work) chew thru screen! Think super teeth.

Perhaps you could look into certain breeds of dogs. Some are non-shedding and don't have much dander. Poodles (toy, miniature, and standard) are one breed that comes to mind. Depending on the age of your child.......the smaller the breed, the older the kid needs to be!

My rabbit's name was Corky (that was Donny Osmond's nickname). He was a Dutch. He was black and white. We lived in Ohio. He started out living (in a hutch) in our basement, but was moved into the garage (to protect from the elements) because even with the daily cleaning, the smell of urine and feces permeated the house! AND that was cleaning it once a day!

 

[Harley Chick]

I've had many rabbits as pets, still have one that lives in the garage. They were all very sweet and tame, I never got bit. Very affectionate critters. But they are very fragile, as Linda mentioned. You have to be really careful about the weather conditions (especially breezes, for some reason they can't take that, even if it's warm). And you do have to clean them all the time and be careful what you feed them, cut their nails and groom them, etc. I guess it depends on how much time you want to put into them and how old your kids are as to whether or not they are the right pet for you. Also, although I've never had one, I've read that the dwarf rabbits don't have as good a temperament (sp?) as a dutch or other breed.
Good luck in your decision. If you do decide to get one, most animal shelters have them available for adoption.

 

[RitaZ.]

DH and I discussed this further and decided not to get bunnies. The kids really want a pet that they can hold and play with, but our options are limited. All DH has to do is pet a dog and within 15 minutes he gets a rash. Cats and birds are also out of the question for the same reason.

Harley Chick~ My neighbor did say that her bunnies DO bite, I don't think that my kids would like that. She also showed me several pieces of furniture that the bunnies have chewed on.

I think we are just going to go back to having fish. Oh well...