There are many things to carefully consider before adopting a pet
rabbit for a child
Children and Rabbits
http://www.adoptarabbit.com/articles/packet/children.html
Before adopting any pet it is important to understand its basic
nature and what is involved in its care. Often, adults are
interested in a rabbit for their young children. They consider it
a starter pet - one to try out before committing to the
responsibility of a dog or cat.
Too frequently a rabbit is an impulse purchase to satisfy a child
when he begs for a pet, as if it were a toy. Adorable baby
rabbits, as young as 4-6 weeks old, are often available from
local pet and feed stores. Indeed, they are irresistible! Baby
rabbits are easy to handle at this early age and seem just right
for the small child. Then quickly the rabbit grows up!
Owning a rabbit can be an educational experience for the whole
family. The gentleness and love required when interacting with a
pet bunny can give your child lifelong lessons on kindness and
responsibility. Choosing to adopt a rabbit should be a carefully
considered family decision and should not be based on an impulse.
Educate yourself before bringing a rabbit home.
There are many things to carefully consider before adopting a pet
rabbit for a child.
The rabbit's average life span is between 8 and 12 years. Adults
should ask themselves whether they are committed to caring for
the rabbit for this period of time. For example, in five years a
7-year-old child will be an adolescent of l2 or 13 and will be
developing new and different interests beyond his pet rabbit. So,
guess who gets to take on the responsibility of caring for the
rabbit?
Mature rabbits are ground loving animals, a majority of whom are
not content being carried around or being held for long periods
of time. A child, trying to hold his pet, may get nipped or
scratched in the rabbit's efforts to get away. The child may
become frightened and not want to interact with it any further.
At worst, he or a young friend could drop the rabbit, injuring
the rabbit's back or breaking its bones. Always have your child
hold an adult rabbit before bringing one home. Watch his reaction
to the rabbit's quick movements. This can tell a parent a lot
about whether a rabbit is a good pet for their child.
Rabbits are very sensitive to sound. Households with active
children and their friends can be quite noisy. This can place the
bunny in a continuously stressful situation that leads to health
and temperament issues.
Rabbits are not low maintenance pets. Attention to their needs on
a daily basis is vital to their well being. They need frequent
cage or pen cleaning, a consistent diet, and daily interaction
with their caretakers. It is probably unrealistic to expect a
child to take on these responsibilities when they are just trying
to keep their bedrooms clean or remember to do their homework.
Again, it is ultimately the adult's responsibility and a serious
long-term decision.
If you have a quiet household, a calm child who willingly follows
the family rules ("We relate to bunny only on the floor. We don't
pick up bunny. We are quiet when we are near bunny.") and who has
demonstrated responsibility in other areas of his life, adopting
a rabbit may be a good choice. If household members have the time
to care for a new pet and the adults realize, in the end, it is
their responsibility to see that bunny is being well cared for, a
bunny could be a good pet for you and your family.
Rabbit Advocates
See Also:
Index of All Rabbit Care & Bunny
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