Mary Allen
Children love animals. And animals are good for children. Most kids love having a friend to look after. Rabbits, with their soft fur and their abilities to learn little tricks, make such a wonderful friendship if children and adults follow a few rules.
The Child Has to Learn: Rabbits are Not Stuffed Animals
In order for such a friendship to develop, it is important that the child must learn that a rabbit is not a stuffed animal. Once you have got used to it with a little patience, love, and a few delicacies, they can be petted every now and then. However, they also clearly signal if they do not want this, if necessary by biting and scratching. It is important for parents to explain to their children that rabbits are animals of flight. If you panic, you can use your claws and teeth. Even if it becomes too much for them. Children who would like to have a rabbit should be at least ten years old. It is important to ensure that at least two animals are kept together. In order to prevent misunderstandings between children and animals in the first place, an adult should always be present when the offspring is busy with the rabbits.
Children Should Take Responsibility for the Rabbits
It works like this in many families: First, the child really wants a pet. And in the end, it is the adults who have to take care of everything. You should therefore explain to your child beforehand that they have to look after the rabbits on a regular basis. It is best to make a list of the things that have to be done daily or weekly: feeding and running outdoors, cleaning the enclosure, and playful activities. Instruct your child to do all of this reliably and teach them that rabbits will only be fine if they are properly cared for.
Great Activity for Kids and Rabbits
But having a pet is not all about duty – it also means lots of joy. Instruct the child to play with the rabbits. Rabbits are intelligent and quick to learn. The child can practice little tricks with them, for example with the clicker. Most hoppers also learn to jump over hurdles with a little motivation in the form of a little treat. Always convey to the child that they must not force the rabbit to do anything. This is the only way to make learning fun! Even if your child is busy with the rabbit, it absolutely needs at least one conspecific to be happy.
Checklist: Five Little Rules for Friendship Between a Child and a Rabbit
- The child has to accept that a rabbit does not want to play and be petted all the time. Time out is important for the animal.
- Adults should explain the rabbit’s body language to the child. This prevents misunderstandings and the child is not scratched, for example, if the animal no longer wants to be petted.
- Children have to learn that when they have a pet, unpleasant jobs such as regular cleaning of the enclosures are part of it and that these have to be done reliably so that the little friend is fine.
- When working together, adults should convey to the child that they must not force the animal to do anything – otherwise, they will quickly no longer enjoy learning little tricks and tricks.
- Even if love goes through the stomach: Children should not constantly give the animal delicacies. Parents best explain to their offspring that rabbits need a balanced diet and that wrong and too many treats can make them sick.
