Posts Tagged ‘ children ’

By JJ Newman-Rode

Is it always a bad idea to have rabbits and children together? NO. What is a bad idea is getting any kind of pet without being fully informed about the characteristics and needs of the pet and fully considering how that pet will fit into your family and lifestyle. It is a really bad idea to get a pet without being fully committed to making the relationship work.

You can have young children around rabbits, but the parents MUST make the commitment to ensure everyone’s safety. You must work to create a safe environment for all involved.

The keys to our happy, multi-species family:

1. We had a detailed knowledge of rabbit needs and behaviors before having children.
2. We are committed to making our situation work. We believe that once you bring a pet into your home, it
   becomes a family member for the animal’s lifetime.
3. We have always been clear that the pets are the responsibility of the adults. Our children play with the
   pets. Pet care may become a child’s chore, but the actual responsibility still belongs to the adults.

There are some rabbit characteristics that need to be considered when thinking about bringing a rabbit home to young children.

Most rabbits do NOT like to be picked up. In the wild, rabbits are prey animals and so they are naturally frightened by being lifted into the air. Most rabbits DO like to be petted. Sitting on the floor and letting your bunny come to you, when he is ready, is one of the best ways to pet and snuggle with a bunny.

Many rabbits are frightened by loud noises and commotion. Again, this is their natural instinct. A noisy, busy home may not be the best for a rabbit. Consider your child’s stage in life. For example, the terrible twos can make life for a house rabbit stressful.

Rabbits are very inquisitive and need to be with others. They are warren animals— which means they live in complex social environments with lots of interaction. A human family should keep their rabbit in the middle of the home, in an area with lots of activity that will allow them to interact with the rabbit. Remember, activity does not mean lots of noise.

Dogs and cats are predators, and that is what we are used to having around as pets. Before getting a rabbit, especially when children are involved, please educate yourself on the special needs of prey animals as pets.