RABBITS AND CHILDREN:
Is a Rabbit a Good Pet for Your Child?

Your child has been asking for a pet. You consider getting him a dog or a cat but think about how much of a commitment having a family pet can be. Then, you think about getting a rabbit. Why not? A rabbit is a perfect child's pet. They are cute, cuddly, spend most of the time in a cage and don't seem to require much care, right?

Dispelling the Myths

• Rabbits are docile and cuddly.
  Rabbits are often portrayed by the media and in children's books as being cuddly and docile. Most people are disappointed to find that many times rabbits just simply do not live up this stereotype. Most rabbits do not like to be carried around, and because of their delicate skeletal structure, may be easily injured trying to escape from a child's arms. This may result in an injury to the child, as well as to the rabbit.
  
• Rabbits are low maintenance pets.
  Rabbits have needs that are similar to other house pets. They require sufficient mental stimulation and physical exercise in a bunny-proofed area each day. Their cages/litter boxes need to be cleaned often to prevent odour. When rabbits are ill, they require care from a qualified veterinarian. They also have very specific dietary requirements.
  
• Having a pet teaches a child responsibility.
  Many parents say they want to get a pet for their child to teach the child to be responsible. While this sounds good in theory, it's more likely that the child will end up losing interest in the pet. The pet is then either neglected or given away. In either case, the child doesn't learn responsibility. Even worse, the child will sometimes learn that life is disposable and that if he just waits long enough, someone else will relieve him of his "responsibility".

So, does this mean that you shouldn't get a rabbit for your child? No, not necessarily, but as the adult, it is important to realize that you will be the primary care taker of the rabbit. It is, therefore, essential that you understand what rabbits are like and what proper care entails.

So, What is a Rabbit Really Like?
The important thing to remember when describing what rabbits are really like is that each rabbit has a unique personality and you can't really make generalizations by breed. However, that said most rabbits exhibit one or more of the following traits:

• Rabbits are social animals. Most really enjoy the company of either another rabbit (or other animal such as dog or cat) or of a human.
  
• Rabbits are curious. Want to get a rabbit's attention? Simply sit on the floor in their area, read a book and ignore them. Most can't resist approaching.
  
• Rabbits need sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation each day. For bunny-proofing tips and suggestions for suitable toys, see the behaviour section of this web site.
  
• Rabbits are fastidious groomers and are easily litter trained. If you keep your rabbit's cage/area clean, they won't have an odour.
  
• Rabbits love routine. Changes to feeding and exercise schedules are stressful and may lead to illness or an ill-behaved rabbit. If a schedule must be changed, introduce changes gradually.

Other Things to Consider Before Getting a Rabbit
In addition to doing research, and knowing what having a rabbit entails, there are other things you must consider, when deciding if a rabbit is right for you and your child.

• Do any of your family members have allergies? If so, it is important to make sure that they won't be allergic to the rabbit before bringing him home. Note: Many people are allergic to hay (a staple in your rabbit's diet) and NOT the rabbit itself.
  
• Consider your child's personality. If your child is calm and cooperative, a rabbit may be an appropriate addition to your family. On the other hand, if your child is loud, tends to interact physically/aggressively, or frequently needs to be reminded of rules, then a rabbit probably isn't a good choice.
  
• Consider your child's age. Rabbits are rarely good pets for very young children (less than 7 years old). Very young children do not have the coordination to interact with a rabbit and may accidentally hurt it. However, if you are willing to supervise their interaction, then a rabbit may be appropriate.
  
• Does your family have time for a rabbit? Are you and your child prepared to make time for the rabbit, which involves cleaning, feeding and socializing? This is a committment that can last 6 to 10 years.

Tips for Successful Interaction Between Rabbits and Children
Now that you've considered the rabbit's needs and have determined that your child would interact well with a rabbit, here are some tips that may help you maintain a happy household.

• Show your child how to pet the bunny. Guide your child's hand over the rabbit's head, ears, and upper back. To prevent fur-grabbing, hold his hand flat or use the back of his hand. Do this frequently, but stop if the rabbit seems bothered by it. Always supervise your child's interactions with the rabbit.
  
• Rabbits need to feel secure when being handled. If they do not, they will struggle and kick in an effort to escape. Children simply aren't physically strong enough to be capable of making the rabbit feel secure. For this reason, larger bunnies often make better companions for children than smaller breeds. They are less tempted to pick the rabbit up.
  
• Children like to be able to pick up their toys and pets and carry them around. Always teach your child to interact with the rabbit at ground level. A rabbit feels more secure at ground level. Explain to the child that you (or another adult) will be the one who picks up the bunny for grooming, etc.
  
• Make interactions with the rabbit a positive experience for the child. Explain to him that it is his special job to not scare the rabbit, not pick the rabbit up, etc. Avoid constantly using negative words like 'Don't' and 'Stop'.
  
• Teach your child to leave the rabbit alone when he hops away or goes into his cage. It is helpful to interpret the rabbit's body language for the child to help him understand. For example, tell the child that 'I think the bunny wants to eat (or nap) now. Let's leave him alone for a bit'.
  
• Discourage your child from chasing a rabbit who has had enough, poking at him through the cage or banging on his cage. This can be done by explaining: "Chasing the rabbit will make him scared of you." Or "Banging on his house scares him." It is important that you learn how to interpret rabbit behavior/language so you can explain the rabbit's feelings about your child's actions. Sometimes, it is also helpful to compare the bunny's feelings to a feeling familiar to your child. For example, tell the child that 'Banging on the rabbit's house scares him. You know how you are scared sometimes of loud noises?'.
  
• Teach the child that the litterbox and the rabbit's droppings are "dirt" and always use a broom and dustpan to sweep up the rabbit's droppings when the child is around. A litter box with a grate over top or a wire bottomed cage works well.
  
• Create a 'safe zone', where the rabbit can go for quiet and to escape. Use baby gates in doorways and or consider turning the cage so the door faces the wall with enough room for rabbit but not the child.

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