A Pet's View / March 2007
Chocolate of Fur
Rabbits are sensitive, intuitive, gentle creatures Although they’re as soft, cuddly and cute as any stuffed animal, they actually require extensive attention and mature guardianship. Despite the traditional Easter Bunny connection, rabbits and small children are generally a bad combination. It’s a sad fact that most Easter bunnies don’t enjoy even a year of happiness with their new caretakers, much less their normal life span of eight to twelve years.
Baby bunnies tolerate being cuddled–with a weight in ounces and a size in inches, they really don’t have much choice. But small children who love holding the darling little ball of fur, can drop or mishandle their new family member. Baby rabbits are often injured very early in their residency. Within weeks, the rabbit reaches adolescence and may begin running away from the youngsters. Children find it frustrating but the behavior is perfectly normal for a prey animal. Rabbits flee children as a deep-seated instinct to protect themselves.
While rabbits do make wonderful companions, potential “pet parents” should know exactly what to expect before adopting or purchasing a bunny. Adults and children should be involved in the research regarding diet, health, behavior, socialization, housing, and bunny-proofing before the new pet arrives.
As they get older, many rabbits don’t like to be cuddled and held, so children often lose interest in their rabbit. It may be helpful to keep in mind that as rabbits grow up, they tend to feel more comfortable if handled on the floor, at their level.
Successful significant relationships with rabbits involve working daily to build trust, which can be a slow, methodical process. What is involved in creating a positive relationship with a rabbit may be more than can be expected of a small child. The health, well-being and survival of the bunny is generally best served when parents are the primary caregivers, overseeing child-rabbit interactions and all care. Children often lose interest after the novelty of the new pet wears off, and a young bunny left caged and alone grows depressed and loses its spirit.
Rabbit injuries often result from improper handling, especially by children. It’s common for youngsters to hold rabbits too tightly or to pick them up by their ears, a practice that must be expressly forbidden. When rabbits don’t want to be picked up, they will often kick and struggle. Children frequently are unable to hold them, and often drop the bunnies, causing injuries like a fractured vertebrae or damaged spinal cord. Being dropped or forced to jump from too high a place is also likely to damage a bunny’s legs and joints.
When rabbits reach adolescence, around fourteen weeks of age, they begin to display a strong will and a desire for autonomy. They also exhibit their innate need to chew and dig and sometimes express fears and dislikes by nipping or biting. Rabbits that aren’t neutered or spayed may become grouchy or aggressive. When rabbits start acting out, many children and adult guardians punish the animals or simply avoid them. But, rabbits are very social creatures; they’re simply communicating their needs and fears.
Because they are social creatures, rabbits can bond with other animals, showing heartwarming expressions of friendship and love. A rabbit’s need and desire to be part of a couple or a group means bunnies bond with humans, dogs, cats, or guinea pigs. Initial introductions should be made in a neutral space, though, since not every match is made in heaven.
Rabbits need roomy accommodations, but even the smallest apartment is plenty of room for the largest rabbit. Since rabbits instinctively avoid relieving themselves in their eating or sleeping areas, their living quarters should include enough space to accommodate a litter box away from those areas. Spayed or neutered rabbits can be readily trained to use a litter box.
Bunny-proofing the house is necessary to protect the bunny and the family furnishings since rabbits can be a challenge for those unfamiliar with a bunny’s natural instincts for chewing and digging. The need to chew is so strong it will eclipse any training. Preventive measures, including deterrents and providing safe items for chewing and digging, are essential. When people decide their rabbits require too much attention or have proved too destructive, they may abandon their charges into the wild. Unfortunately, “setting the bunny free” means certain death for domesticated rabbits. They lack the skills necessary to survive on their own.
Chocolate bunnies are hollow and only sweet for a moment. Real bunnies are sweet for a lifetime and hold hearts and gentle spirits that can be broken. There’s a lot to be said for either option, but if a long term commitment isn’t part of the purchase, choose chocolate.
For more information, visit: makeminechocolate.org.
Copyright © 2007 A Woman's View. All rights reserved.
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