Are you thinking of getting a pet rabbit for your child? As with any animal, there are pros and cons to having a rabbit in the family, and they require just as much care and attention as any other pet. However, although small, rabbits have huge hearts, here are some of the reasons that we at Pets.ie think rabbits are a great pet for children.
1. Rabbits are super affectionate
If your child is enthusiastic about caring for a bunny, they will be sure to form a strong bond with their new pet. It’s important to spend time down at “bunny level” so you can get to know your bunny’s individual personality – some may be active and bouncy while others are shy and timid. Another thing to note is that different rabbit breeds have different personality traits so be sure to do a bit of research on the rabbit breed you intend to get. You might find that a bunny which fits your child’s personality, is a match made in heaven.
After a while, your child will find that their pet rabbit gets to know their voice and will happily follow or come when called!
2. They are quiet
No barking, squawking or meowing! If you live in a housing estate, or have close neighbours, you may have experience of dogs barking at all times of the day and night. Thankfully rabbits make little or no noise so they won’t affect your family’s sleep, or impact on any close neighbours. The loudest noise they are likely to make is thumping their hind feet on the floor!
Rabbits are generally most active in the mornings and evenings, sleeping for a period in between – like an extended siesta! The rabbit body clock tends to fit in well with working households and school hours.
3. Rabbits will teach your child so much
By taking care of their pet, your child will learn a multitude of new skills. They will learn kindness and gentleness by knowing how to handle their bunny properly. They will develop an important bond by playing with their pet, and learn how to interpret body language, often displayed when bunnies are trying to tell us something, usually about food!
Your child will also learn about new and unusual types of foods that are delicious to their rabbit, such as bok choy and coriander, and there will always be the makings of a nice salad in the fridge!
4. Rabbits don't need as much food as other pets
Rabbits don’t need to be walked every day, however they do need enough space to run around whether, outside in an enclosed garden or run, or inside the house. A bunny’s hutch should be large enough to have a separate litter and feeding area, as well as an area for play and for sleep. We at Pets.ie love to see bunnies getting a run outside, but be sure to keep a close eye on them as they can be an easy target for dogs and won’t have the protection of a burrow that wild rabbits do.
5. Rabbits are clean and easily litter trained
Rabbits like to keep themselves clean and groomed. They can be trained quite easily to use a litter tray, just like a cat. As you may know, rabbits love hay and it can be used, hung close to the litter tray, as a great incentive to get your bunny to sit on the litter tray!
6. Rabbits are the cutest pets around
Of course, we love all things bunny at Pets.ie so we are biased, but rabbits really are the cutest animals! Are they the right pet for your child? We hope that the information above has helped you decide. For more information about how to care for pet rabbits as well as rabbit supplies and hutches see our website Pets.ie