Rabbits - do I want to get them for the kids or am I nuts!

[LondonRunner]

I have two dogs (golden retriever who is hard work) and a little cocker spaniel. I also have an old cat who lives indoors.

My kids (girls age 8 and 9) now want rabbits after spending time with a friends rabbit which is very sweet but I am already feeling like a zoo owner.

We have the space and a large house and garden but I am left wondering if I am not insane as I source the largest outdoor hutch I can find.

How much time will rabbits need? And what are the costs associated?

I have images of lonely little things in an outdoor hutch and me cleaning and feeding.

Marking my place (sorry). We live in a very 'cat heavy' area. DS has started to talk about wanting a rabbit. We have the room, but I'm worried out cost, exercise, weather.......

Friends of ours are vets and advised us not to get rabbits as so many things can go wrong with them. They suggested guinea pigs as an alternative - we have 2 and they are ace

Have a look at this site rabbitwelfare.co.uk
Tens of thousands of rabbits end up in shelters because people don't do their research. Diet and husbandry are extremely important in preventing disease.

Rabbits are not the best pets for children ,and if looked after properly take a lot of time ( much more than a cat for example) , get GPs or rats instead and keep them indoors that way the children stay more interested .

Ds has had a rabbit for 2 years, he is a super little character. He has a hutch with a run for outside and a cage for wintering indoors. In winter he comes into the sitting room for an hour or so daily to run around.
He enjoys being stroked and brushed and has a ball he likes you to roll for him.
He has a litter tray which he uses. You get rabbit sized ones for the hutch.
Cost wise ours eats rabbit pellets at £3 per bag every month, spring greens and carrots. We buy a huge bale of hay from the local farm shop for £6 and this lasts a month for bedding with sawdust and eating. He also loves specialty hay from the pet shop and this is about £5 per month.
Regarding vets bills we have an insurance policy at £10 per month and he has been at the vet for a tummy upset (£30) and his claws clipped (£10).
Our bunny is a much loved furry and we wouldn't be without him.

Don't do it. Cats are much easier and better pets!

Rabbits really are adult pets the figures speak for themselves rabbits which are owned by children have a life span of 5-8years, rabbits which are owned by adults have a lifespan of 8 to 12 years.

We'd only end up looking after it anyway. Sorry, DS. No bunnies in this house. You'll have to stick with looking at the ones we see on the way home.