To start with, consider the personality and age of your child. Children that are generally known to be gentle, kind and calm would do better with a rabbit as a pet than those that tend to be very loud and aggressive. If you have to constantly remind your child to follow your rules, a rabbit might not be a good match. Younger children below the age of six or seven may not be able to properly interact in a manner safe for them or safe for the bunny.
Next, consider your lifestyle. It is NEVER a good idea to add a rabbit to your family so your child or children can learn responsibility, or even to expect that your child will be the major caretaker of the bunny. As the responsible adult, you must assume that you are getting a new pet that will require your commitment. Too many times, a family ends up wanting to give up on the new pet rabbit because the expectations of responsibility were not properly considered ahead of time.
If you feel that a rabbit is a good match for your child so far, there are a few more important considerations before heading out to pick your bunny. Just like any other pet, there is a cost to having a pet rabbit. In addition to any cost for the rabbit's purchase or adoption, you need a suitable home for your pet. Many styles of rabbit hutches and cages are available. The rule of thumb is always "buy the largest rabbit home that fits your space and budget". In addition to your rabbit's home, there are costs for a regular supply of food, hay and litter, water bottle and feeder, rabbit toys (although some can be homemade), and veterinary care. If your bunny was not spayed or neutered prior to becoming your pet, consider that as well. There are also occasional costs, such as for a litter pan, chew toys and "in cage" shelters such as small igloos or houses. Hopefully, you'll want to "spoil" your bunny with some new toys for the holidays as well. A Pet PlayPen made for rabbits and small animals help reduce your stress, but are a cost as well. Thankfully, most items made for rabbits are not very expensive, and hutches and cages come in many stylish options with functional benefits for both bunny and pet parent!
Other things to consider include the area for your rabbit. We encourage everyone that considers getting a rabbit for a pet, to be considered as an "indoor" pet, not just put a rabbit in a hutch outside. Rabbits are social animals that do better when they are around their family members. Find an area for the rabbit home away from loud noise areas, and preferably in an area that allows the bunny to not be stressed by large amounts of people, noise, other pets, etc. Consider the other members of your home. If anyone suffers from allergies, could a new rabbit make the family member suffer? Lastly, you home will probably require at least some "rabbit proofing".
Finally, consider the rabbit. Rabbits naturally live at ground level, and many do not like to be held or cuddled. Medium to larger breed rabbits, especially adult ones that have been spayed or neutered, often make the best pets for children. Small breeds and young bunnies tend to be more excitable and sometimes aggressive, and may be more likely to chew and nip. It is often easier to judge the personality of an adult rabbit.
If you feel that you are willing to make the commitments necessary to be a responsible pet rabbit owner, and your child will benefit from the new relationship with a bunny, then the next step is finding your pet. Consider the benefits of adopting an adult bunny from a shelter, before deciding to purchase one from a pet store. By taking the time to understand your new rabbit, and spending time helping your child learn how to properly interact with a bunny, you can enjoy a lasting relationship that can be very rewarding for all involved. Your child can learn responsibility, and grow up to be a more nurturing and caring adult. The choice to add a pet rabbit to your family and to assist your child in the proper care and interaction with the bunny will help provide a lasting and loving experience for your child for years to come!
To learn more about Rabbit Hutches, Outdoor Runs and Bunny Homes, Visit Rabbit Hutch USA Today!
Bill VS has written numerous articles on Pet Rabbits. He owns Rabbit Hutch USA, which sells a large selection of Rabbit Hutches, Outdoor Runs, Premium Indoor Homes and many other Bunny Items. Bill VS encourages his readers to learn as much as possible before deciding to choose a Rabbit as a Pet. There is a Free Rabbit Hutch Buying Guide available on his website, which anyone interested in Bunny Housing should read before buying any new home for their long eared friend! As they say around the Hutch, "Grab a Carrot and Come On In!" Enter Rabbit Hutch USA Here!
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