A newbie needs help...

[footsietoes]

[/size][size=2][/color][color=black]I just got my first bunnies ever yesterday. It is kind of scary...I am not sure what to do with them yet. They are older ones...5 months...two males. My children love them. I think we are going to keep them outside for the summer...but again I am not sure. First question - do I keep my kids quiet and calm around them or should I let them do what little boys do...run and shout around them? Second question - how long before they start to feel comfortable in their new surroundings? Third question - should I let my children hold them yet or should we wait for that? Thanks to everybody in advance for helping me and my family out!

[Jodi]

Congrats on your new bunnies! They are quickly becomming my favorite pet.
For the first few days I would have your children sit by the cage as quietly as boys will be and talk softly to the new additions. This will help the bunnies get used to them. Next I would not let the boys hold them unless the bunnies come up to them and only when sitting on the floor. Buns have strong legs and can jump out of their arms, because of this they can easily get hurt. Every bun is different so there is no time slot for them to get used to the family. What I mean is some only take a couple of days and others can take weeks. It will help if the boys help in feeding them. They know who takes care of them.
Good luck!

[footsietoes]

Thanks Jodie...Tomorrow I am going to get me kids to feed the bunnies. Both of them are doing real well. Today I bought a feeder...they were tipping their food over all the time and I was worried about them not having any food. I also made an attachment today for the outside of their cage for hay...they can pull the hay through the bars...it works, they seem to be eating more of it. I also am able to keep it more fresh that way. I am starting to really like them...both of them are so different from each other. I didn\'t realize rabbits were so much fun!

[footsietoes]

Just an update - Tonight both of my children hung out with the bunnies in a chair...they loved it; it was fun for me to watch. My 4 year old kept whispering in the one bunny\'s ear \"I really love you!\" We are half way done building a large pen for them outside. So far eveything has been great; we are having a fun experience!!

[harplady]

Congratulations on your new bunnies. One site I found very helpful for both indoor and outdoor rabbits is: http://www.houserabbit.co.uk/rwf

[juliemcd04]

Hi there....
I don\'t really have any \"advice\" to your questions....Just some comments! I can say though, as far as what to do with them, I let my bun do whatever she wants with ME!! Within reason that is!! I have found that she is much more comfortable being able to make her own decisions about when to come and go from her hutch and when to approach me. It\'s hard not to go and scoop her right up but much more rewarding when she asks for my attention because her interaction with me lasts longer when she initiates it.
I am a relatively new \"bunny Mama\" too and let me tell you..... I am really enjoying our little sweetie!! She is so sweet! I\'m glad we made the decision to adopt a bunny. It sounds as if your boys are having a good time with their new friends too!!! (I\'m ready to get another one already!!!) Congrats to you......I know my heart has been stolen from my little bun and I\'m sure your\'s has been too!! Julie