We had a rabbit when I was a child, and I do not believe they are good pets. The one we had did not want to be touched or handled really, and the cage stunk, so it was not a good pet.

I would suggest a Ferret. We had one a few years ago, and at first, I was terrified of him (no reason, just because he resembled a mouse to me) he ended up being the absolute funnest and silliest pet. They are so playful and never mean. They could play all day long. We had our English Bulldogs, as well, and ended up having to get rid of the ferret because our bulldogs were playing too rough with him. It was just bad timing. We should have bought a ferret when we started our life together in our apartment, with no other animals. I think Ferret's would be a great apartment pet! I truly can not say enough good things about them. You will laugh and laugh, they are funny!

I also had rabbits when I was a kid. While most rabbits tend to be gentle and sweet, I really don't think they are a great pet for children. Smaller children in particular tend to get bored with pets that really can't be played with. Rabbits can get boring and kids lose interest in them easily. For a quiet child (are there any?) a rabbit might be a good choice. However, I think an active playful dog or a cat is a better choice. Rabbits can and will bite, just like any other animal, and children should not be left unsupervised with animals of any kind.

A rabbit will not maul or kill your small child if you accidentally leave them alone together, even a small dog might. I would pick a rabbit over a dog or cat anytime for a child. However, pets are still animals and kids are kids. Attention and teaching will still be needed.

Rabbits make great pets, but they are very fragile creatures. They generally do not like being held. If you're holding a rabbit, they can't get away from predators. It's a natural prey-instinct. If not spayed or neutered, rabbits are very territorial and cage protective/aggressive. If spayed and neutered, they aren't and they live longer.
Also note that a rabbit can kick hard enough to brake its back if it is being held incorrectly and becomes scared. It will kill or severely injure the rabbit so that it needs to be euthanized AND would traumatize your child. When thinking of a rabbit for a kid, bigger is better. Larger rabbits are calmer, less anxious, and less-likely to be picked up by a child.

RABBITS LIVE 10-15 YEARS when properly cared for. They need to be spayed and neutered to prevent health and behavioral issues, as well as unwanted rabbits. Also, I recommend adopting a rabbit over purchasing one from a breeder or pet store as there are thousands in need of homes across the US and a over five hundred in Phoenix Metro alone in shelters in addition to those listed on Craigslist. Rescues usually have the rabbits spayed and neutered prior to adopting them out, which greatly limits your initial costs of getting the pet as well as behavioral issues (if bunny was spayed/neutered at a young age). Also, rescues tend to litterbox train them and show the rabbit that there are good people out there, which helps any rabbit to trust people and want companionship.

RABBITS generally DO NOT LIKE BEING HELD. In fact, it can be difficult to find a rabbit who does, although possible. However, most rabbits, even shy ones rehabilitated by rescuers and animal lovers, enjoy being petted and played with by their human companions. They play with toys and like to play games like "follow the leader" and "hide n seek" with their human friends and other rabbits.

RABBITS CAN DIE IN TEMPERATURES OVER 80 DEGREES! Rabbits do best when the temperatures are between 60 and 75 degrees F. Any temperatures greater than that greatly stress out "Thumper" and can cause dehydration, illness, heat stroke and death. Although numerous rabbits survive the Az heat every summer, these rabbits are provided extra "provisions" to help them out and are still prone to illness due to the stress on their bodies.

RABBITS ARE PREY ANIMALS! Hawks, owls, cats, coyotes, stray dogs and other animals EAT rabbits. These animals are found throughout the city, even hawks and owls, and will snatch and take any pet rabbit outdoors when given the chance. Be careful and please keep your rabbit indoors or in a sheltered play area that blocks predators as well as the heat.

RABBITS CHEW AND DIG! Rabbits, having teeth that continually grow, need to chew to wear down their teeth. They have a tendency to chew cords, furniture, and even dig up carpet (as they love digging). Therefore, rabbit proofing your house is very important to keep the rabbit healthy and your belongings safe.

RABBITS NEED UNLIMITED TIMOTHY HAY. Rabbits cannot live on carrots and pellets. They need timothy hay to help keep their molars at a good length and their digestive tract functioning properly. Also, they need a variety of greens and vegetables for vitamins and minerals, and this list does not include many carrots at all. They have specific dietary requirements to stay healthy and happy, and not gain weight. Feeding them potatoes, seeds, nuts, and too many sweet foods such as fruit can cause severe digestive problems.

RABBITS ARE FUN! Rabbits love hanging out with their humans, playing games, eating food, and being, well, rascally. They're a lot of fun and when their humans care for them properly, are great, life-long friends. If you are interested in learning more about these wonderful animals, please contact me. You can also visit the websites listed below.

Email me at deana@rascallyrabbitrescue.org if you have any questions.

Deana Nelson, Director of Rascally Rabbit Rescue and Critter Haven of Arizona
www.rascallyrabbitrescue.org
and House Rabbit Society Licensed Educator

www.rabbit.org -- House Rabbit Society
www.bunspace.com -- Myspace for Rabbits and their owners!