quick clicks

preschoolers today articles

preschoolers today q&a

children today articles

children today q&a

community & groups

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Make My Bunny Chocolate

A Rabbit Reality Check to Make You Think Twice About Giving a "Bunny Basket" This Easter

Mead wants everyone to understand that while rabbits do make wonderful companions, potential "pet parents" should know exactly what to expect before adopting or purchasing a bunny. Her mission is to educate people everywhere on the importance of understanding and providing proper care for these animals.

Here are some basics you need to know before welcoming a rabbit into your home:

To ensure you are giving your rabbit the absolute best care from the get-go, research diet, health, behavior, socialization, housing, bunny-proofing and proximity to an appropriate vet before your pet comes home. Gather information by accessing reputable sites on the Internet and good books on domestic companion rabbits. Other helpful sources are rabbit rescue groups and rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarians.

Although the new baby bunny tolerates being cuddled and small children love holding a cute little ball of fur, many rabbit injuries result when children mishandle or drop their new family member. Within weeks, when the rabbit reaches adolescence, he may begin running away from the youngsters. Although this is frustrating for the children, this behavior is perfectly normal for a prey animal. The rabbit flees the children as a deep-seated instinct to protect himself.

"As they get older, many rabbits don't like to be cuddled and held and, at that point, children often lose interest in the rabbit," Mead says. "It's important to remember that as your rabbit grows up, he will feel more comfortable if handled on the floor – at his level. To have a significant relationship with a rabbit, you must work daily to build trust with him, which can be a slow, methodical process. If parents understand what is involved in creating a good relationship with a rabbit, they might think twice before giving one to their small child. In my opinion, it's best when parents are the primary caregivers, overseeing child-rabbit interactions and all care."

Want to see more?

• Bringing Home the Easter Bunny: Should Your Child Have a Rabbit as a Pet?
• Devilishly Good Eggs: Make Use of What the Easter Bunny Leaves Behind!
• Bunnies and Ham and Eggs, Oh My! Ideas for Easter and Beyond
• Check out our Article Library.
• Talk about it!

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.