Do bunnies make good pets for children?

With Easter fast approaching, we want to make sure that you choose a bunny for all the right reasons for your child. What should you know before getting a bunny for your child...

Before we start off please make sure your child is not allergic to a bunny BEFORE considering one. Rabbits live 10+ years. Adopting a rabbit is a long-term commitment. Rabbits are NOT low-maintenance pets. So adopting a bunny should be a family decision. Most people don't realize that these cuddly creatures sexually mature at 4 months of age, and begin destructive behaviors in adolescence. These behaviors include biting, spraying, not wanting to be held, and squirming. Young children,generally  do not understand the change in behavior as a rabbit matures. Rabbits are independent creatures, and once adults we highly recommend neutering or spaying them. As they get older, they prefer to be held and carried less. Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk, preferring to sleep during the sunny part of the day, and play in the early morning or evening.

Bunny Proofing: If the bunny will have free reign in the house/apartment/room, you will absolutely need to bunny proof the area. Even if you keep the bunny in a cage, condo, or puppy pen, you still will need to safeguard your home when you let the rabbit out for supervised exercise. Rabbits are very curious and persistent creatures. They will find a way to get into your computer cables, wires, molding, couch piping, slightly frayed rug, etc. They will eat your most important documents!

A rabbit caged too long develops even more resentment and can act aggressively. Bunnies are susceptible to various illnesses, and unless keenly watched by an adult, by the time a bunny stops eating, it may be too late. Bunnies need to be observed for signs of hair blockages (eating less, wanting only treats, droppings that are very small in size) or signs of bacterial infections (runny eyes, sneezing, wheezing) and even more serious problems like urinary bladder stones (straining to urinate, bloody urine, crying in their litter box).

Children who work well with rabbits are those that have proven to be responsible with smaller pocket pets. Ideally rescue groups and most shelters encourage parents to wait until the child is around 10 years of age. . Children who are willing to approach a rabbit on their own terms, letting them sleep and not forcing the bunny to be picked up will have the best chance of developing a positive relationship with their rabbit.

Bottom line: Do your research before adding a bunny to your family! While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of getting a pet rabbit, it’s important to first assess whether or not you can truly provide a good forever home to a bunny.

Below is a very good link where you can find very useful information, especially for a first time bunny owner...
https://myhouserabbit.com/new-to-rabbits/preparing-for-your-first-house-rabbit/