Twitter
Facebook
Reddit
Digg
Tell us what you think!Send a letter to the editor about this or any other article in The Maine Campus.
With Easter just a few weeks away, eggs, Peeps and chocolate bunnies are found lining nearly every store’s shelves. Many parents plan Easter egg hunts for their children, pack baskets full of goodies and sometimes even give gifts. What could be more appropriate than a cute baby bunny as a surprise for a child on Easter morning? Actually, lots of things.
While several popular rabbit breeds such as the Netherland Dwarf or Holland Lop stay fairly small in size even when matured, others definitely do not. Rabbits such as the Flemish Giant, as mentioned in a previous article, or the English Lop, can mature to a whopping 11 pounds or more. Although it is simply cosmetic, the “cuteness” factor of the little bunny that’s purchased for an Easter gift may wear out quickly for some. Everything grows up — and although I think rabbits are cute at all ages, not everyone does.
Rabbits are typically timid creatures. It is important to remember how they behave in the wild and put that into perspective when deciding to purchase one, especially for a child. Although they can be great house pets, they may not be suitable for all children. Many rabbits do not enjoy being held or picked up, and can pack a punch with their powerful hind legs, delivering painful scratches. If a child or adult doesn’t know how to properly hold the rabbit, the animal can sustain injuries or even broken bones while struggling to get away. With that in mind, a child may not be pleased to find his or her new pet isn’t willing to play, and may lose interest in the animal. Because rabbits have a lifespan of up to 10 years, this purchase shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Many boxed foods in pet stores are not nutritionally adequate for small animals such as rabbits, hamsters or rats. After a certain age, rabbits require only about a tablespoon of high-quality pellets per day, relying mainly on fresh hay and vegetables. Proper nutrition is extremely important for all pets, and owners should be aware of what requirements need to be met for their animals. Simply picking up a box of food in a pet store with the corresponding species’ name on it is not enough.
Rabbits can make wonderful pets. They require individual attention and daily play time, can establish strong bonds with their owners and can be quite affectionate. Not only can they learn to use litter boxes and even toilets, they can learn to climb stairs, and will often live peacefully with other house pets such as cats and dogs. Many rabbit enthusiasts even allow their pets to have free range access to their homes, letting them come and go throughout the house as they please.
When considering purchasing any animal, there are always concerns that should be addressed. Many people seem to think small pets aren’t as much of a responsibility as a cat or dog, which unfortunately is a misconception. Any potential pet owner should spend time researching beforehand, not only to determine if the animal they want is going to fit into their lifestyle, but to educate themselves. You can never know too much about the animals that rely on your care.
