I was told not to give water to my rabbit

Question
Hello,

We live in China and our lovely nanny had the idea today, this being the year of the rabbit to give us a little white red eyed rabbit (is it an albino? and does this require special care?) as a present.
We are still dazed but feel that we have to accept the responsability and really learn to love and take the best possible care of the little fellow.
However we have no idea how to do that particularly since one of the first things she said to us is never under any circumstances give it water or it will die.
I am pretty sure that no creature can live without water but she is adamant that it gets all its hydration from a couple of vegetable leaves that we would give it every day.
She is from rural China and I assume she has some experience with rabbits. Anyway...I am confused and do not want to do anything to harm the little fellow.
Also, I have no idea if it needs any vaccines. It looks quite young but I dont know how old it is and I was too surprised to ask. Hopefully I will find out tomorrow.
Normally I would dismiss this water business as nonsense but I trust her with most things and she is kind hearted and nice, she would not knowingly harm an animal. Also it looks quite healthy and I know for a fact that she did not give him any water.
I am currently reading up on everything I can find regarding pet rabbits and they seem quite fragile.
Any advice would be welcome.
Finally I saw from the previous post that rabbits are quite safe animals to keep. This is important as we have an 8 month old in the house. Also, since this would seem like a long term commitment for us I was wondering whether there is any counter-indication for keeping rabbits during pregnancy as there is with cats.

Thank you very much

Answer
Dear Celine,

I am glad this little bunny has ended up in the hands of someone who obviously cares, and is responsible.  The Year of the Rabbit is anything but lucky for the thousands of little bunnies who will be thoughtlessly given as gifts to people who are not as caring as you are.  :(

That said, your nanny is completely and utterly wrong about the water.  It is quite possible that in some areas of China the water is dangerous because of lack of proper sanitation.  Baby rabbits, in particular, are highly susceptible to E. coli, which would be in the water in areas where human waste mingles with the available water.

As long as the baby is provided with *clean* water, he will be fine. And water is critical for the health of any animal, including a rabbit.

Note that many rabbits given as gifts are too young to be weaned, and this presents special dangers to the bunny.  Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

and if you see *any* sign of runny stool, please read this for emergency instructions:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/squirts.html

For all the best and most accurate information about the proper care of your rabbit, please visit:

www.rabbit.org/

and click on "House Rabbits 101".  It will be a good primer that should help a lot.

I'm not sure you can find a rabbit vet where you are, but you might be able to check the international listings here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

I hope you and your little friend will have a long and happy life together! Rabbits are wonderful, loving companions.

Take care,

Dana