Every Easter, there can be a big temptation to spoil
the kids and one-up the Easter chocolate by actually getting them a bunny.
They’re small and absolutely adorable, so why not?
Well, after the honeymoon stage, it can quickly become apparent that these furry friends are a little
high-maintenance. Here’s a little checklist to make sure your prospective bunny purchase is a positive
one:
Have you thought about the long term? Rabbits can live for up to 10 years, and before you know it, your child
may want to take his/her pet to university!
Are you ready to get your bunny neutered or spayed? They become sexually mature only after four to six months
of age and they can become very irritable… or pregnant.
Is there a lot of space for your rabbit to roam? Bunnies need to run and hop around to stay fit and
happy.
Do you have time to potty-train and bunny-proof? Potty-training is self-explanatory, but rabbits like to
sharpen their teeth on things like wires, plants and furniture.
Are you good with grooming? Rabbits can get hairballs and if they get one they can’t cough it up like a cat
would. And clipping nails is hard no matter the animal — sometimes it’s hard enough to do yourself.
Can your child always remember to be calm around it? Rabbits are sensitive creatures and won’t take well to
always being held or played with. That can lead to an unhappy animal, and subsequently a child who loses
interest.
Will you have someone to watch it when you travel? There’s a lot to frequently take care of with these guys;
they won’t love a week-long vacation as much as you do!
If you answered yes to all of these questions, then a rabbit is definitely right for you. There are very few
things that can compare to a great relationship with a pet, for you and your child. Now that we’re done being
serious, get excited again and enjoy!
— By Josh Bailie