Many Children want a rabbit. But rabbits are only suitable for children to a limited extent because they are escape animals and do not like to be touched. Many children find that difficult. If you want a rabbit as an addition to the family, you should think about a few things in advance and clarify for yourself. We have put together a checklist and expert tips for the purchase. You should consider the following things in advance.
What To Consider Before Buying A Rabbit
How To Play With Them
Around a million rabbits live in people’s households. However, it is not uncommon for the owners to lose interest after a short time or stress the animals with petting. Parents of older children should make it clear in advance that rabbits are not used as toys or living substitutes for dolls. Many people are not aware of it, but rabbits don’t like to be carried around. If, on the other hand, you hand them a carrot to feed, for example, the animals slowly get used to contact with people – without frightening them.
Cage Should Be Avoided
The animals must be able to move around sufficiently – in a varied habitat. An outdoor enclosure would be ideal. The enclosure should measure at least six square meters. Before setting it up, rabbit keepers should make sure that it is built so deep underground that pets do not run away or that enemies such as martens and foxes have easy prey. So that the animals feel comfortable, the cage should offer feeding and resting area as well as shelter and retreat. Commercially available cages are far too small, not appropriate to the species, and are sometimes offered with accessories that are harmful to health,” warns a pet expert.
Health Plan Without Fast Food
Young pet owners should also be aware from the outset that regular cleaning of the cage is part of species-appropriate keeping. Visits to the vet cost additional time and money: young animals have to be castrated, and all animals have to be vaccinated against myxomatosis and China disease every year. Even if the rabbits are only kept indoors, they can easily become infected with the deadly disease. The main carriers are houseflies. In addition, cutting teeth and claws is a regular part of the health plan.
Buy From Experts Only
If you decide to buy a rabbit after careful consideration, the expert advises: “Please do not buy the animals in pet shops or from the breeder. Young animals are often separated from their mother far too early to be sold when they are young, and there is often a lack of professional advice. “You should be skeptical if the rabbits do not have enough space, the enclosure is dirty, and rotten leftover food is lying around. The best place to buy rabbits from are animal shelters. Here, experts advise on site. The advantages: Animals living together are not given away separately, and the keepers sometimes arrange for rabbits that have already been vaccinated and neutered. Always make sure that the animals have clear eyes, a shiny coat, a clean bottom and a dry nose.
