7 Things You Need To Know About Kids & Rabbits7Adorable? Check. Small? Check. Your child is begging you please? Check. It is hard not to consider the delicate rabbit as anything but the perfect companion for your child. Unfortunately, rabbits are too often purchased upon impulse (especially around Easter), leaving parents with the burden of a little creature they weren't ready for. It is recommend that you don't bring a rabbit into your home until your youngest child is at least 10-12 years old. In this week's blog entry, we dig deep into the top 10 things parents and guardians should know before considering getting a rabbit as a pet for their child. #7 Rabbits Are Not Low Maintenance Pets Many people often mistake the level of care for rabbits, similar to that of a hamster. In realty, rabbits are relatively high maintenance pets that require a lot of space, attention, time, and money. Rabbits need an indoor living space that is, at minimum, 16 square feet (or 1 xpen) per small-medium rabbit, and not every family has the space to safety set up a place for the rabbit. Pet store cages, while they may seem like a great option, are in fact far too small and don't offer the rabbit to fulfill a natural range of motion or behavior. #6 Rabbits Need Companionship Rabbits are naturally very social, and demand a lot of attention from their care givers as well as the companionship of another neutered rabbit. Rabbits thrive in the company of another companion of the same species, and it can be difficult for families to house two rabbits together. Bonding rabbits to each other can be a challenge in itself, and it is important that both rabbits are spayed/neutered prior to being introduced. #5 They Can Be More Expensive Than Dogs or Cats Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits require to be seen by exotics veterinarians. These veterinarians can be harder to find and their fees are often more expensive. Rabbits are also prone to a variety of common (but very serious) ailments which could have them visiting their vet more often. Keeping rabbits on a proper diet can help, including fresh leafy greens fed on a daily basis. While commercial rabbits pellets may be relatively inexpensive, keeping up with the purchases of hay and fresh produce can add up quickly. #4 They Don't Like To Be Held Rabbits are considered a "prey species". As a prey species, rabbits feel threatened when they are picked up, cornered, chased, or even cuddled. This can make it difficult for children to interact with rabbits, as many are seeking a companion they can pick up and handle. Rabbits can react in a way that could harm a child if they feel threatened by biting, scratching or kicking. This can also be dangerous for the rabbit if they are dropped, as they have glass-like bones. A rabbit's hind legs are very powerful, and can harm a child should they kick. A rabbit can kick hard enough to break their own backs. The best way for a child and rabbit to interact, is if they both sit (or lay) on the floor together, and the child allows the rabbit to come to them for affection on their own terms. #3 Rabbits Are a Big Commitment Rabbits have a life span of 12 or more years. If you adopt a young rabbit for your, lets say, 10 year old; be prepared to care for the rabbit when your child has graduated high school and has left for college or university. A rabbit's primary caregiver should always be an adult. #2 The Novelty Wears Off Many children lose interest in rabbits quickly, once the novelty of them have worn off or when they find it burdensome to care for the rabbit. Litter boxes and housing areas need to be cleaned each week. Rabbits require fresh food and water every day. Rabbits also require regular grooming, nail clipping and scent gland cleaning. It is also important that rabbits receive daily exercise and play time. Older children are often busy making plans with friends, and can soon forget about their rabbit companion. #1 Allergies Before bringing a rabbit into your home, you should spend time with one first to ensure no one in the family is allergic to the fur. Rabbits can be ferocious shedders, which can easily trigger allergies. Rabbit's also require eating large amounts of hay, which can cause issues to those who suffer from seasonal or hay allergies. It may be best to have your family members tested for allergies before bringing a rabbit home.
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