Best Bunnies For Children

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By Bunniez

Bunnies can make great pets for kids, but it helps a great deal to choose the right sort of bunny. Also, before you get your child a pet rabbit, please realize that they can get sick and require veterinary care. If you do not intend to provide veterinary care for your pet, or if you are unable to do so, please do not purchase a rabbit, as there is nothing crueler than letting an animal slowly die from curable and preventable diseases.

Also, educate yourself on rabbit care prior to getting the rabbit. Those tiny cages you see in pet shops are far too small to keep a rabbit in all the time, they're little better than a prison cell. You should also get the basics of rabbit nutrition down. All your rabbit really needs is good quality hay, some good quality pellets and water. Anything additional to this should be researched, and added to the rabbit's diet in small amounts. New foods can cause stomach upsets which lead to loose runny stools and horrible messes. In many cases, foods that you might think are good for rabbits aren't, for instance carrots are okay, but lettuce can cause death.

Please also remember that rabbits are prey animals, and a new rabbit may be timid. If a rabbit is scared it may very well bite, kick and scratch. It will be your responsibility to make sure that your children handle the bunny carefully and with respect.

Now we have the bare basics out of the way, lets look at what sort of bunnies make the best pets for kids.

  • Stay away from the fancy breeds. Fancy breeds require much more grooming than short haired plain breeds, and may also have more unstable temperaments due to inbreeding.
  • Medium sized rabbits are probably the best size for children. they can be patted without fear of harming them, and they also tend to have more placid temperaments than smaller bunnies.
  • Rabbits from a private breeder are better than pet store bunnies. A good private breeder cares about their stock and breeds for good health and temperament, and can also provide ongoing care you might not get from a pet store.
  • Rabbits from private hands, (assuming it is a small scale operation) are often better handled and socialized than pet store bunnies which have been traumatized by being taken from their mothers and shoved into cages under bright lights.

Comments

B.T. Evilpants profile image

B.T. Evilpants 3 years ago

They are cute! But they seem Kinda incomplete, without antlers.

Ashley Joy profile image

Ashley Joy 2 years ago

My daughter had a pet rabbit for awhile and it was the nastiest pet she ever had. It was hard to keep the cage clean and it was not as easy to train as I was told. We stick with dogs now.

dirk 2 years ago

they are so cute i want one!

Youdon'tknowme 2 years ago

I am getting a rabbit!!I want the tiny breeds though.I had rabbits before but we had to get rid of the 3 little guys

Bunniez profile image

Bunniez Hub Author 2 years ago

I honestly don't think rabbits are great pets for kids because their temperaments are so volatile and most of them are not great 'huggers'.

Jenny-rabbit 2 years ago

We have a Himalyan rabbit and she is very sweet compared to what i have heard of other rabbits. She will let the kids pet her and she comes to them all the time for a nose rub. My daughter is very easy going and will sit and call the bunny until she comes and then pet her if she doesn't come then Jessica moves on and tries again later. My step-son on the other hand is "all-boy" i am constantly having to tell him not to chase the bunny the reason she doesn't come to him is b/c he chases her to get her and tries to make her stay when she wants to leave. Though I don't think he is abusing the bunny i would not have gotten one if he was the only child in the house and if that is what your child will be like or worse then i would not get a rabbit. If your child's personality is like my daughters though very calm, self-entertained, always careful with babies and animals then i think a rabbit could be a good choice. I would go for a Himalayan b/c i've heard and seen that their breed is alot like a cat and are great "starter" rabbits. Mine has a wonderfull personality "she's still a handfull my husband wouldn't listen when i told him she will eat the wires so she chewed his computer cord" maybe next time he'll listen to his wife that doesn't know anything but somehow always ends up being right in the end.

bunbun 22 months ago

My first bunny was a minnie rex, it was stuborn but I loved it.

It was hard to keep my brother out of it's way, and when he got in the way she bit his toes! She died from "snuffles" and I research it so I'am pre-pared for my next one.

I had 2 rabits before I realized that it wasn't just a cold, I recomend an easier breed for beginer rabbit owner. Its a great breed but a tough one.

All in all I'm getting another rabbit soon, and i will be pre-pared this time.

bunny lova 21 months ago

im a preteen and my little sis wants a bunny and i have no clue what website to go on ?help?

jessbunnylove 17 months ago

i am getting a bunny soon, im excited! what should i do to make sure my bunny is healthy once i get it and once i have it? also what breed of bunny is the best? im 12, thanks;)

Sparkles 16 months ago

My daughter who is 5 has had a mini lop for over a year now and the mini lop has made an excellent pet for her. The bunny basically litter trained herself and is very very sweet. I will not get anything but mini lops she has NEVER bit anyone and will sit on your lap and watch a movie with you. The mini lop rabbit has a great personality and is a great docile lap bunny which children love. I also have a 2 year old son who has been taught what and what not to do with the bunny and as long as your child listens there shouldny be a problem having a mini lop as a pet.

tweety11440 14 months ago

i think bunnies are sooooo cute my mom or dad wont let me get a bunny because they think the dog and cat will end up eating the bunny (i dont think so!!!)

i love bunnies!!! 14 months ago

i go a bunny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shayna 14 months ago

my bunny, Roxy, was the sweetest thing ever. i let it run around my room all day while i was out and it never did a single bad thing. when anybody would walk past my door it would run over to see them. this was my first bunny but i would totally recommend it. go to the store and hold the bunny for a while and see if they are calm and dont bite u. potty training is totally possible although sometimes they cant totally control their poop and they may go on the floor but its really not that big a deal...u just scoop it up cuz its in a ball. get a bunny but make sure u r well educated and are willing to put it some time and effort.

Andi 8 months ago

VERY HELPFUL EVEN THOUGH I'M 10 YEARS OLD

cute bunnies! 3 months ago

what kind of breed should i get? i'm a beginner bunny owner. i have no clue as to how to take care of a bunny. any help?

elfgirl 7 days ago

what rabbit breeds have the best temperment ? I was told the best one is the Marten breed, any ideas?

Emma 4 days ago

I have a rabbits and I am giving away maybe for 400 plus with the cage and shipping 500???

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