With Easter on our minds, let’s talk about bunnies as pets.
While surprising your child with a cute and cuddly bunny as a pet for Easter or his birthday sounds like a great idea, you may not realize that it can be a very high-maintenance pet.
Here is the run-down on rabbits:
- They have very specific dietary and veterinary needs, and often require large crates or cages for living.
- Small children are not always a good match for bunnies—as innocent but aggressive playing, cuddling, and tugging on the ears and tail can lead to biting.
- Rabbits have an extensive life span, often living as much as ten or more years, leaving you responsible for it for longer than you may have imagined.
If your family still has high hopes for housing a pet bunny, have an important discussion with your household to determine who will look after it. Share a book about rabbit care with your kids so they are aware of the responsibility that comes with owning this pet.
Local animal shelters or bunny rescue groups can also provide you with information on adopting and caring for rabbits. To find one near you, visit the House Rabbit Society.
Additionally, the Make Mine Chocolate! Campaign reminds us that thousands of ex-Eater bunny gifts are abandoned each year once the novelty wears off. They encourage giving chocolate or toy bunnies instead until your family is up for the task of caring for a real one.
(Adapted from The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals/ASPCA)
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