|
One of the main reason why rabbits do not make good pets for children is that most rabbits
do not like being picked up and cuddled. They are prey animals by nature, and in the wild they must constantly be
alert for predators that want to kill and eat them. If a pet rabbit is suddenly startled by a child grabbing at it,
the bunny is liable to revert to its instincts and try to protect itself by biting, kicking and scratching. And
those soft and friendly-looking bunnies have very sharp teeth and nails and powerful leg muscles.
Rabbits also are social animals, and if they are kept alone in a cage most of the time
they become unhappy. They require at least two or three hours of exercise every day. This means being let hop
around the house, where they may be able to chew furniture, computer cables or electrical wiring if they are not
supervised by a responsible person.
Because a healthy rabbit can live as long as ten years, they should never be purchased on
a whim. Rather, they must be seen as a long-term commitment. Rabbits require a special diet that includes hay and
fresh
vegetables as well as a small amount of specialized rabbit food on a daily
basis.
When people buy pet rabbits without knowing all the trouble they are getting themselves
into, they may be tempted to release their unwanted bunny out into the wild, such as a nearby park. This often
leads to tragedy, as abandoned rabbits often fall victim to being hit by motor vehicles, killed and eaten by
raccoons, coyotes, dogs or feral cats. If they manage to find a warren of rabbits, they are just as likely to be
injured or killed as an unwanted invader. If they somehow survive they will likely become a nuisance by eating park
foliage and then invading neighborhood gardens.
For someone who has learned the facts and still wants a rabbit for a house pet, they
should know that across the country there are many animal shelters where rescued rabbits may be adopted or fostered
on a permanent or temporary basis.
Rabbits can make excellent, loving companions and bring much joy to many households, but a
relationship with a rabbit is not something that should be entered into without careful thought and
consideration.
| 
