NO pet, especially rabbits, are "starter" pets or stepping stones to a dog. These are living, breathing animals that deserve proper care and attention. Not to be a "lesson" to see if your irresponsible kid can handle an even more labor intensive animal. They all require appropriate, timely and adequate care. They all deserve MORE than the BARE MINIMUM of attention. Rabbits are NOT gentle, they have teeth and nails like any animal. Lizards often require specific temperature ranges to even SURVIVE. Fish require CLEAN ph balanced water for their specific type and gerbils and hamsters, while inexpensive, require socialization, interaction, and plenty of cleaning. If your kid can't handle simple tasks such as schoolwork, chores, and self care, do not EVER give them ANY living animal that NEEDS CARE. You people make me sick.