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Think before buying a pet rabbit for a child

Friday, April 15, 2011
posted by Jim Murphy

cutebunnyIt’s Easter time and you are at the mall with your child. Many pet stores have those cute, furry bunnies in the window. Your child begs you to buy one. Before you make one of the worst decisions, there are some things that you should know about rabbits. Too many people will buy an animal and have no idea how to care for it. It’s just “cute” that’s all. As a former rabbit owner, I’m very familiar with the mis-conceptions and ridiculous, untrue theories about these wonderful creatures. Lots of pet stores don’t even offer rabbits because most people don’t know how to care for them. A large number of rabbits are found dead, abandoned in the streets or dumped off at a shelter because selfish, inhumane people bought them just because their child wanted one. Humans are dangerous!! These  creatures deserve owners who will love and respect them and know how to properly care for them.

If you are serious about adopting a rabbit, here are some things that you must know.

  • Are you willing to make a seven to ten year commitment? That’s the average life span of a rabbit.
  • What will happen if your child gets bored with the bunny after six months? Will you abandon him or dump him off at a shelter?
  • Is there a place in the house for a rabbit cage? Rabbits should not be kept outdoors despite what you may be thinking. They are social creatures and like to interact with people. Keeping him outside in a cold damp environment and throwing some hay in the cage everyday just doesn’t cut it.
  • Are you willing to pay to get it spayed or neutered and provide pet care. Rabbits get sick and require immediate care. Your vet will administer the proper pet medication for it.
  • Do you know that most rabbits hate to be held? Will you child accept this?
  • Are you willing to ensure that a child under 7 will not pick up the rabbit? Rabbits have very fragile bones that can be broken easily. Their legs or spine will break if accidentally dropped.
  • Can you provide three hours of exercise in an enclosed area outside it’s cage everyday?
  • Do the adults in the family want the rabbits too? A rabbit should be a family pet.

Rabbits are a lot of work. There cage must be kept clean and they must be fed a balanced diet of fiber and grains. They must always have water and hay. They cannot throw up like other animals.  Food could get stuck in their intestines. If a rabbit stopped pooping and eating, he is sick and must be taken to a vet right away. A sick rabbit will die very fast.

I had my rabbit for seven years and a did everything I could have to keep her alive at the end. It was very painful to let her go. I know that this sounds a bit severe and it’s meant to be. These creatures deserve a chance and we should never react on the actions of a child. Do your homework and know what kind of commitment you are willing to make.



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