What would you tell children about rabbits?

As reported elsewhere, our stray *may* end up in a home with two girls of eight and nine. Although we'd generally be against pets being taken on for young children, in this case we know their Mum is researching things thoroughly before agreeing and that she would make sure any buns in the household were looked after or act accordingly.

The first thing Humum told the Mum to tell her kids was that rabbits are not cuddly pets, that they don't like being picked up and any interaction and physical contact would be very much on the rabbits' terms.

Humum is going to put together some child-friendly information for them and try to keep it realistic, such as the need to feed and clean out even when it is snowing or raining Lancashire rain. She wants them to be as aware as possible of the realities of living with rabbits, not just the oh-aren't-they-cute-I-want-to-cuddle-them fantasy.

What would you want the kids (and Mum) to know before they agreed to look after rabbits? Positives and negatives please...

That not all rabbits are "cuddly" some don't like being picked up at all, some don't like being stroked and will come to you when they want fuss. They aren't as straight forward as people think. they require unlimited amount of hay, good quality pellets and daily veg but still a limited amount.

That they need time and patience before they learn to trust anyone. Dogs and Cats seem to trust very quickly but it can take years for rabbits to develop a trusting relationship with humans.

But, when they do trust you, they are incredibly affectionate and wonderful animals.

That because they are prey animals, they are naturally scared of pretty much everything that moves, in the beginning anyway.

And they don't like lots of noise! No screaming, yelling or screaching.

Oh and if they pull the rabbits ears, the bogey monster will get them

Thumper2001 wrote:Oh and if they pull the rabbits ears, the bogey monster will get them

 

Have I mentioned that you are going to be a great Mum?

that rabbits can live up to ten years, so this isnt just a commitment for now, this is a commitment up untill they are near their 20s! and if the kids 'get bored' that mum will need to make sure they are still cared for.

Sparky wrote:

Thumper2001 wrote:Oh and if they pull the rabbits ears, the bogey monster will get them

 

Have I mentioned that you are going to be a great Mum?

I'm definitely Bad Cop

I would tell them that they need to willing to spend a lot of time rolling around on the floor it they want to spend time with the rabbits.

Also that bugs bunny on does not portray a true rabbit image, he has carrots and they are not very good for rabbits and of course the lettuce. Kids always assume lettuce and carrots are all rabbits eat. But obviously a bit of romaine they like from time to time.

Also any other human foods like chocoalte and stuff that kids will just shove in ant animals faces and try share with them.

taking time to let the rabbit come to them and gently storke the rabbit on its back if he/she will allow you to and if they do not, not to get upset, just give it time.

I would get the children to research the internet and make a collage of the do's and don'ts and make it fun too  

Have the parents read this little article. Things to Know Before Getting a Bunny.  Also talk about the importance of bunny proofing!  Bunny Proofing

Everyones advice here is really great so there isn't much left for me to suggest, but if I think of something ill pop back!

Oh that do not go to fuss or touch the rabbit from above front or behind as they cannot see in these areas and might assume u are a predator

People that ring us for advice on the best breed of rabbits for children I always send them an email on what keeping a rabbit is all about, the cleaning out Summer and Winter, caring for their needs Summer and Winter. The cleaning of dirty bottoms, making sure their nails are trimmed and I tell them about vaccinations and the cost. I explain about dental problems and some of the common things that rabbits can suffer with and the cost of getting them better. I also explain about Flystrike. Plus I also say to the parents 'Will you be prepared to take on the rabbit/rabbits if your child/children lose interest or get bored with them ( which children I find usually do eventually ) clean them out, take them to the vet's if ill and most parents are not keen on taking over looking after their childrens rabbits as they say they don't have time.

I then say read this to you children and if they still want a rabbit after you have finished reading it ring me back and I will give you the contact numbers of local rabbit rescues near to you. Most ring me back to say their children have changed their mind or the parents say 'I didn't realise they needed so much care " or " I thought they were a cheap pet that's why I told the children they could have one" .