Thinking of welcoming an adorable bunny into your home? Rabbits make wonderful pets, but not every rabbit is right for every family. While images of smiling children cuddling fluffy rabbits make it seem like bunnies are the perfect children’s companion, the truth is a bit more complicated. Rabbits have very specific needs when it comes to care, handling, and environment. In many cases, rabbits and rambunctious young kids are not an ideal match. However, with some adjustments, rabbits can still be a delightful family pet when cared for properly. This article will cover why rabbits can be challenging for children, ways to create a rabbit-friendly home, and how to make rabbits a happy member of the whole family!
Why rabbits are not a great pet for children
Rabbits are often thought of as the perfect starter pet for children, however there are several reasons why rabbits may not be the best pet choice for kids. Here are some of the main considerations when deciding if a rabbit is a suitable pet for a child:
Rabbits don’t like to be held
One of the biggest misconceptions about rabbits is that they enjoy being held and cuddled. While some rabbits will tolerate brief handling, most do not like being picked up and find it frightening. Rabbits are prey animals and instinctively feel unsafe being lifted off the ground. A light pat is a better way for children to interact with a rabbit.
Rabbits have a sensitive digestion
Rabbits have very delicate digestive systems and require a strict diet of hay, leafy greens, and a limited amount of pellet food. They cannot tolerate simple carbohydrates, fats, or sudden changes in diet. Children, especially young ones, may easily overfeed treats or give the rabbit inappropriate foods that can cause serious gastrointestinal issues.
It’s difficult to tell when rabbits are sick
Rabbits hide signs of illness very well as a survival mechanism in the wild. By the time a rabbit is obviously lethargic or not eating, it is likely already very ill. Children will have a hard time noticing the subtle signs that a rabbit is under the weather. A parent will need to fully oversee care and be vigilant about the rabbit's health.
Rabbits dislike fast movements and loud sounds
Rabbits startle easily due to their prey animal instincts. Quick movements or high-pitched noises can cause a rabbit great stress. However, children naturally have quick movements and loud voices, which can constantly frighten the rabbit. This creates an unsuitable environment for the rabbit's wellbeing.
Rabbits need a lot of space and attention
Rabbits are highly active animals that need plenty of room to hop and play. They should have an enclosure at least 4 times their adult size, but ideally have free run of rabbit-proofed rooms. Most kids' bedrooms are too small to allow a rabbit to properly exercise. Rabbits are also social animals that demand daily interaction and enrichment. Many busy families cannot meet a rabbit's complex needs.
For these reasons, rabbits are generally not the easiest pets for young children. A rabbit may work out well for mature, responsible kids who are able to understand and meet the rabbit's needs. But for most young children, the better option is to consider a rabbit as a family pet with parents taking an active role in its care.
Rabbits don't like to be held
One of the biggest misconceptions about pet rabbits is that they enjoy being held and cuddled. While some rabbits will tolerate brief handling, most rabbits do not like being picked up and find it frightening. This is because rabbits are prey animals and their instincts tell them they are unsafe being lifted off the ground.
Children naturally want to hold and hug cute, fluffy pets like rabbits. However, most rabbits will become stressed and anxious when children attempt to carry them around. They may kick powerfully, struggle to escape, or even bite in response. This can end very badly for both the rabbit and child.
Even habitually picking up a rabbit to move it short distances is ill-advised. The light pressure of a rabbit's body weight on a child's arms can harm their developing joints and bones. There are also risks of back injuries from bending over the cage or the rabbit causing scratches and cuts by kicking.
It is better for children to interact with rabbits at their level. Sitting calmly on the floor and giving a rabbit gentle pets teaches children to respect the rabbit's needs. Light stroking over the head and down the back is what most rabbits will enjoy. Holding a rabbit must only be done occasionally and for very short periods with proper support under the hindquarters.
For most interaction, the rabbit should be left happily on the ground with all 4 feet. This allows the rabbit to choose whether it wants to approach the child for attention, while avoiding anxiety from being involuntarily restrained. With parental guidance, children can learn proper rabbit handling and find enjoyment in more rabbit-friendly activities.
Rabbits have a sensitive digestion
Rabbits have delicate digestive systems that require a strict dietary regimen. The microbes in a rabbit's intestinal tract need a constant supply of fiber to function properly and break down food. Without the right amount and type of food, rabbits can develop painful gas, diarrhea, and potentially fatal conditions like enteritis. This makes a rabbit's diet challenging to manage, especially for children.
A rabbit's diet should consist mainly of unlimited grass hay, a measured amount of fresh leafy greens, and a limited quantity of high-fiber pellets. Treats need to be low in fat and calories to prevent obesity. It is crucial to make dietary changes gradually to give the rabbit's gut time to adjust. Even a small amount of the wrong food can cause issues.
Kids, especially young ones, often overfeed treats or offer inappropriate foods out of generosity and excitement. But foods like crackers, cookies, cereal, popcorn, nuts, seeds, meat, cheese and sugary fruits can make rabbits extremely sick. It is difficult for children to understand that these human foods are dangerous for rabbits.
A child would also struggle to feed a rabbit on a schedule, serve proper portion sizes, replenish hay regularly, and introduce new veggies slowly. A parent would need to be fully involved in all aspects of a rabbit's feeding routine. An adult must actively prevent a child from giving a rabbit unhealthy foods that seem perfectly fine to kids.
It’s difficult to tell when rabbits are sick
Rabbits are known for hiding signs of illness very well. This is an instinct from the wild, where appearing weak would make them vulnerable to predators. By the time a rabbit is obviously lethargic, not eating, or avoiding activity, it is likely already seriously unwell. However, it can be challenging for children to pick up on the subtle clues that a rabbit is under the weather.
Changes like a decreased appetite or energy level are often the first signs a rabbit is becoming sick. But these can be hard for a child to notice day-to-day. Other indications like dull eyes, dirty bottom, weight loss, or unusual breathing are also vague and take an experienced eye to identify. Children may not think to tell parents about minor behavioral differences they observe.
Without quick diagnosis and treatment of a problem, a rabbit's condition can decline rapidly. But children miss the early signs that allow the rabbit to be treated promptly. A parental figure needs to be vigilant about monitoring a rabbit's food intake, energy patterns, and droppings to catch issues before they escalate. Otherwise, children may inadvertently allow an illness to progress until the rabbit is in a state of emergency.
Rabbits dislike fast movements and loud sounds
Due to their innate prey animal instincts, rabbits startle easily and feel unsafe around sudden movements and high-pitched noises. However, these reactions are normal behaviors for energetic, boisterous children. Fast motions and loud voices can constantly frighten a rabbit sharing a home with kids.
A child yelling, feet thumping as they run, toys clattering, and excited grabbing are alarming to a rabbit. Even overly friendly chasing or patting can feel threatening. Fear and chronic stress have significant detrimental effects on a rabbit's physical and mental health over time. Rabbits may become defensive biters or begin abandoning their litter habits out of anxiety.
Prey animals like rabbits do best in a quiet, peaceful environment. An active household with rambunctious children struggling to contain their energy is the opposite of a rabbit's needs. Parents would need to be diligent about maintaining a calm atmosphere and preventing children from inadvertently tormenting the rabbit. This realistically is difficult to enforce at all times.
Rabbits need a lot of space and attention
In addition to a peaceful setting, rabbits require plenty of room to move as well as consistent daily interaction. An adequate rabbit enclosure is at least 4 times the bunny's size as an adult, but ideally rabbits have free run of rabbit-proofed rooms. Most children's bedrooms are too small to allow a rabbit to properly exercise. Rabbits also should not be left alone in cages for long periods as they are highly social.
To stay engaged and entertained, rabbits need daily mental stimulation through playtime, toys that encourage natural behaviors like digging and chewing, and human interaction. A lone rabbit needs at least 1-2 hours per day of active attention. Realistically, busy families juggling school, activities, work and life cannot make that kind of time investment.
An indoor rabbit takes substantial effort to rabbit-proof areas and supervise playtime. Their enclosures need thorough weekly cleaning and litter box maintenance. Hay racks, water bottles, and toys require frequent checks to refill, unclog or replace as needed. Rabbits also chew destructively and will shred carpet, baseboards, and furniture if allowed. These complex care needs are often too much for already overwhelmed parents, let alone children.
The better option: Rabbits as family pets
Instead of dedicating a rabbit solely to a child, rabbits tend to thrive when the whole family shares care and bonding responsibilities. With rabbits being relatively high-maintenance pets, having an adult take primary ownership helps ensure the rabbit’s needs are fully met. There are also ways for a rabbit to become an ideal family companion animal when adults and children participate together.
Kids are helpers
A great way to involve a child is by making them a “helper” with an adult always supervising. Feedings, playtime, and cleaning tasks can become part of the child’s regular chore routine. For example, a child can be shown how to properly fill hay racks daily, change water, or groom the rabbit under guidance. Older children may help track the rabbit’s vegetable intake and activity patterns. These hands-on activities help children learn responsibility and care for another being's welfare.
Larger breed of rabbits
Larger rabbit breeds that weigh over 10 lbs., like Flemish Giants, Checkered Giants and French Lops, tend to be calmer and tolerate handling better. Their size also makes them less fragile and skittish compared to smaller rabbits. With training and consistency, bigger rabbits can become accustomed to louder households and gentle petting from children. Always supervise interactions and teach children proper rabbit handling.
Teaching children to respect rabbits
With clear expectations set by parents, children can learn to move calmly around the rabbit, use "indoor voices," and refrain from picking up the rabbit without permission. Reward the child's good behavior with responsibilities like feeding greens or playtime with toys. Children who demonstrate self-control and proper care should be allowed more interaction privileges. Through patient training, kids and rabbits can peacefully coexist.
More family socialization
Getting a rabbit-savvy second rabbit, whether another adult or baby bunny, provides social enrichment. Rabbits form close bonds with members of their own species. A pair or trio of rabbits can entertain each other when kids are busy or noisy. Same-sex pairs typically get along best after proper bonding. Always supervise meetings and separate immediately if aggressive behavior occurs. Having multiple rabbits also teaches children about positive animal relationships.
Do not set a pet rabbit free outside!
While the idea of setting a rabbit “free” in nature may seem kinder to a child, domestic rabbits lack survival skills to live outdoors. Released rabbits die quickly from exposure, starvation, predation, disease, and accidents. This traumatizing fate is not a humane option. Families must make a long-term commitment to care for their pet rabbit’s lifetime needs of 10 years or more. Adult rabbits can live indoors or outdoors in proper secure housing. Talk with your veterinarian about finding alternative homes if necessary. Never set pet rabbits loose to fend for themselves.
Related questions:
How long do pet rabbits live?
The average life expectancy of a pet rabbit is 8-12 years. Some breeds and individual rabbits can live into their teens. Rabbits become considered senior pets around 5-7 years old but remain active and playful into advanced age with proper care. Adopting a rabbit is a commitment of over a decade.
Should you get a pet rabbit spayed or neutered?
Absolutely! Spaying or neutering rabbits provides major health and behavioral benefits. Altered rabbits have a much lower chance of reproductive cancers and infections later in life. They also become calmer, friendlier, litter train more easily, and spray urine less often. Neutering reduces hormone-driven destructive behaviors in male rabbits. All pet rabbits should be spayed or neutered around 4-6 months old unless advised otherwise by a rabbit-savvy vet.