Some parents consider getting their children a pet rabbit for a gift, especially around the Holiday of Easter. Children often want a baby bunny or chick, which are in adamant supplies in both pet stores and newspaper ads. The little babies look so cute and fuzzy. What a wonderful gift, It'll be sooooooooo easy to care for! They are small, inexpensive, and couldn't possibly be difficult to keep...could they? Here are some things to consider before running down to your neighborhood pet store to pick out the cutest one.
Rabbits are not the best choice for many families. They seem docile and calm as they sit munching on fresh garden vegetables. But keep in mind; rabbits are prey animals with strong instincts. Even a well-intentioned youngster may find himself the recipient of a powerful kick. Large hind legs can deliver a serious punch, and their nails can leave a lasting scar that's both physical and mental on a young child. Loud noises, quick movements and being picked up generally causes a rabbits to panic. They are ground loving creatures who feel frightened and insecure when held and restrained. Children like a companion they can hold, carry and cuddle, just like their favorite stuffed animal. It is unreasonalbe to expect a child to take responsibity for the care of a rabbit! All to often, the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned. With that said, rabbits can make a wonderful companion for a matured, older child whom will understand its natural behavior.
Other important considerations are cost, space, and the time you and your child will have to spend with a new pet. Rabbits need to have space to run and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They cannot live happily confined to a small two- or three-foot plastic-bottomed cage. The best option is to pick a room in your home for the rabbit. Remember a baby gate doesn’t necessarily need to be used for children.
Rabbits will also need a hutch, a place they can go to hide out and not be disturbed. This can be something as simple as a cardboard box stashed in a quiet corner or as complex as a two-story, custom-built, wooden condo. What is important is that it is dark, clean, secluded, and always available.
A common misconception of rabbit care is that these creatures belong in a cage outdoors. While wild rabbits do live outside, they have large burrows accessible to flee from the elements and predators. A rabbit housed in an outdoor hutch has no place to hide or shelter. Rabbits are known to have died from the terror of the proximity of a predator and from the climate; even while enclosed within its outdoor cage. This is the reason Initial costs can vary anywhere between $50 and $500, depending on what kind of housing set-up you go with. Another, and possibly more important reason to avoid housing your bunny outside is the health risk to diseases spread from mosquitoes and fly’s.
Another important piece of equipment is your rabbit¹s water bottle or dish. There are several options available. Whichever you choose, make sure it is made of a sturdy plastic, with a non-rusting metal ball tip. This metal ball keeps the water from spilling out while your rabbit is not drinking, but when pushed up the tube it allows a flow of fresh clean water. The size of the bottle is not important, as long as you are filling it with a fresh supply of water at least once a day. Or by having a glass dish available when it runs freely.
Something else to consider is the sex of your new companion. While males are more widely available and found in most every pet store, they may not be your best choice. Males tend to be very possessive of their person, and will even go so far as to mark that person and their belongings. Males have no qualms about urinating on things and people they view as being their own. Rabbit urine has a strong odor, and it will stain some fabrics. Your best bet is to find a good breeder and to purchase an adult female. Although, my neutered males have been a lot more laid back than my spayed females. Young rabbits can be difficult to sex; getting a young adult is the only way to be sure of what you are getting.
Sharing a home with a rabbit companion can be time-consuming. Rabbits are indeed a high-maintenance pet.
This is what the Evans family daily schedule looks like: Twice daily feedings (which includes fresh vegetables), litter box cleaning, grooming, and semi-yearly runs to Bunny Check-Ups from the vet. However my most important duty of owning a rabbit is to let it socialize and receive supervised exercises. Although they are complex critters, they are generous, selfless and provide hours of entertainment. The amusement we receive from these rabbits maybe from their dancing around, coming over to be pet and to groom it’s favorite big bunny and of course once the rabbit has gained your trust they want to cuddle.
When you have done your research, decided whether or not you have the time, space, and finances to properly provide for a pet, and are sure you are making the right choice, both your future pet and your family will share many years of friendship. A rabbit can make a wonderful addition to the right family, if you research the pet. Although it¹s difficult to resist their cute little furry faces, it¹s important never to purchase any animal on impulse. Doing your Rabbit research you can save time, money, and a lot of frustration.
http://www.rabbit.org/easter/
