general advice

Question
Hi. I guess I'm just asking for general advice, and general care questions. I've worked in three pet stores in 4 years, but that was 12 years ago, so I'm a little rusty on the care of rabbits. My husband and I have a two-year-old and we're considering getting him a rabbit. Now, I realize most kids that age wouldn't be the ideal person to get a rabbit for, and I never would have recommended it myself, but he is not a typical 2-year-old. He's more like 2 going on 12! And understand, we're not talking about un-supervised playtime between him and the rabbit. I wouldn't subject any animal to that. My first question is, taking me at my word on all that, what is your opinion about a rabbit for a toddler, in regards to how a rabbit would treat him? I think if we get a baby it shouldn't be a big deal, that we can train both of them at the same time how to treat each other. We don't want a rat, mouse, hamster, or guinea pig, because they're too small, too aggressive, or too psychotic, depending on the animal. The rabbit was the next best choice to us. What do you think?
Now, my idea is to litter box train the rabbit so it can be free in the house except for at night or when we're gone. I had one a long time ago that was trained, and it was real easy. BUT, that rabbit died because I was starving it to death and didn't know it! I had been told to just feed it alfalfa and lettuce! I wasn't feeding it pellets. What else do they need besides pellets, if anything? Also, what makes a better pet, a female or a male? I've had better experience with a female, but what's your choice? Thanks in advance for your help! Oh, I've been taught that rabbits bought in pet stores aren't hardy enough to live outside, and I live in the Mojave Dessert, so that's why we were going to keep it inside. What's your insight on that?  

Answer
I think before you get a rabbit you could brush up on rabbit care, that is in this FAQ at http://www.rabbit.org/care/new-bunny-index.html  Also, you can read this article about children and rabbits that was written by a woman who raised her daughter while fostering rabbits at http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/children.html

I would personally get a larger rabbit, such as a New Zealand, a French Lop, or even a Flemish Giant, so that your son can't try to pick the rabbit up and thus won't get scratched.

The diet info is in the FAQ, it tells about hay and pellets and what veggies are good for rabbits to have.  

I have had good male and female rabbits, but then mine have all been spayed or neutered.  Unneutered rabbits have a variety of obnoxious habits that are fixed by neutering them.

I think your rabbit will be very happy to live indoors, and will be safe from snakes, coyotes, hawks, and whatever other wildlife lives in the area.  This also gives your family a chance to interact with the rabbit and get to know his or her personality, likes and dislikes.  Be sure to read the info on indoor and outdoor hazards in the FAQ I listed first, although much of the bunnyproofing may have already been done when you did childproofing.

I don't have experience with mice or rats, my 3 year old nephew had a hamster and that turned out badly, although I have heard that guinea pigs do well in classroom environments.

Good luck.

Kim