To the frustration of rabbit lovers everywhere, bunnies are often offered up as the ideal pet for children, as if their diminutive stature means that they have limited needs and are therefore easy to care for.
Contrary to this widely held belief, rabbits are actually very sensitive, intelligent, and incredibly loving creatures who need understanding, patience, and empathic owners to look after them. With this in mind, here are four reasons why rabbits aren’t the best pets for children.
1. Rabbits Need Bunny Companions
A considerable number of bunny rabbits, either rescued from an animal charity or else bought from a (hopefully, at least) reputable and respected breeder are chosen by parents of small children who are either only children or the only child left living at home.
Now, this in itself doesn’t present a problem, but tragically, what often happens is that these rabbits are left alone with no companion of their own kind, and in the majority of cases, a single bunny is a depressed bunny.
The bond that can be developed with a rabbit is something unlike any other bond between a human and an animal, but they still need to be among their own kind.
2. Rabbits Need Peace & Quiet
Even though rabbits love nothing more than to toss their toys into the air, loudly tug and pull at their bedding and food, and nosily dig anything they can get their paws on, any loud noises they don’t make themselves can scare them and usually do.
Until your rabbit feels entirely safe and comfortable in your presence, a process which can take anything from a couple of weeks to several months or more, your job is to be quiet and create a peaceful and serene atmosphere around them. Children are simply unable, and, indeed, shouldn’t be expected to be quiet at home.
3. Rabbits Have Complex Digestive Systems
Unlike the vast majority of other animals, rabbits are unable to vomit, and therefore, when a blockage occurs in their stomach, it can cause serious problems. In terms of feeding, it’s essential to control their diet by ensuring they always have plenty of quality meadow or Timothy hay to eat, fresh water to drink at all times, and a plate of green vegetables, such as kale and parsley, twice a day.
Twitch rabbit food is an excellent example of a top-end, high-quality nugget-based food, and should be given to your rabbits once or twice a day, one small handful at a time. Obviously, the larger the breed of rabbit, the more nuggets they can be given, with small breeds such as the Netherland Dwarf, for example, requiring a much smaller portion.
In addition, these nuggets can also be used as training treats to encourage and incentivize your rabbits to play with a toy or use their litter tray.
4. Rabbits Rule the Roost
Finally, the cages and runs you can find in popular pet shops around the country are simply not good enough to house even the smallest of rabbits, and frankly, such prison-like cages should be banned.
Rabbits shouldn’t just be living indoors throughout the year, but should also be allowed to have free run of bunny-proofed rooms, which again isn’t conducive to a house full of young children.
