Episode 4
Is a Bunny Right for Your Family?
Away from the horses, Nana introduces Franklin and what a bunny really needs: hay, patience, and eight to twelve years of looking after. Carrots are mostly a myth.
In a special episode away from the horses, Nana introduces her house bunny, Franklin, a six-year-old Holland Lop, to walk families through what it really takes to care for a bunny. She covers the big commitment of a bunny’s long lifespan (8–12 years), daily needs like unlimited hay for their ever-growing teeth, toenail trims, and litter box care, and the realities of shedding, chewing, and frequent “pills” (bunny droppings). Nana explains that bunnies are prey animals who are instinctively fearful, and shows how patient, quiet, daily interaction builds trust — including Franklin’s affectionate kisses and contented “purring.” She also discusses which pets can safely live alongside a bunny (most dogs and cats can’t, due to prey drive, though Franklin peacefully coexists with the family’s low-prey-drive cat and dog), before finishing with a hands-on demonstration of preparing Franklin’s daily salad of romaine, parsley, celery, and strawberry tops — busting the myth that bunnies live on carrots.
What this episode teaches
- Pet ownership is a long-term commitment — Franklin’s 8–12 year lifespan illustrates that choosing a pet means thinking years ahead, not just enjoying how cute or fun they seem right now.
- Trust is built through consistency — Because bunnies are prey animals and instinctively fearful, Nana shows that speaking quietly, moving gently, and showing up every day is how an animal learns a person is safe and loving.
- Real animal care isn’t always “fun and games” — From trimming toenails to managing shedding and daily cleanup, kids learn that caring for a pet includes unglamorous, consistent responsibilities alongside the fun and affectionate moments.
Themes: Responsible pet ownership, long-term commitment, animal behavior and trust-building, prey vs. predator instincts, nutrition, patience and gentleness with animals.
Word of the day
An animal that other animals hunt. Prey animals like bunnies are careful and easily frightened, so they need quiet and patience before they feel safe.
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