We have just bought a rabbit 8 wks old do I need to take any precautions regarding our young children?

Question

It is a Netherland Dwarf female rabbit. When I say precautions I know the obvious ones where not to let our toddler of 3 touch the inside of the cage and to wash their hands if they have touched the rabbit but wondered if there was anything else I should know. My other son is just over 1 yr old.

Answer 1

Frankly, your rabbit is more at risk from your children than your children are from the rabbit. If either of your kids has or develops asthma, you need to get them tested to see if they are allergic to rabbit fur; other than that, don't worry.
Remember rabbits need vaccinating for myxymatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease, first vaccine at 6-8 weeks and yearly after that. Thers's no cure but these can be prevented by vaccination. Neither of these diseases is a risk to humans.
Don't let them handle it or try to feed it without close supervision. Your kids will learn many valuable lessons such as empathy, but at their age this is just a moving toy so don't take them for granted. You need to explain to them that the rabbit is alive, like they are, and had feelings the same. And that it can be hurt and feel pain the same as they do. That feeding the wrong things can give it an upset stomach.
Pets can be very good for kids,and generally I'm in favour of having something living around the home.

Answer 2

my friends son is 2 and he is always tormenting the pet rabbit they have. she only lets him hold the rabbit when he has been good so he sees it as a treat.

its best to handle the rabbit as often as possible so it becomes tamer and used to being stroked and held.

netherland dwarfs are really small so its best to block all the exits up in the garden just incase it does get out.

Answer 3

Let the kids handle it as much as possible, but gently. You will then get to find out if the rabbit really like to get petted,cuddled or some just like to sit beside you and are quite happy.

Answer 4

an untrained animal will always be unpredictable: you do probably know this but avoid the kids putting there face very near the rabbit, picking it up inappropriatly, anything that could feel threatening to the animal could provoke a self defense reaction.

Answer 5

Well, if it is domesticated don't worry about having your children wash their hands. Rabbits are very clean animals. I have toched my rabbit a billion times and I have never gotten sick, so don't worry about that. Rabbits are gentle creatures, so they won't hram your sons. Just make sure you supervise them and make sure they don't stick their fingers too close to their motuh, it sometimes aggitates them.

Answer 6

in case you both are not any more actual trilled with the conception of adoption, than you need to no longer be adopting. Your husband might want to target to understand your position because the known care giver. It takes extra that money to strengthen little ones. I understand you thoroughly. My youngest is 12 and at one time we seen adoption. At my age and with our existence type i will not photo yet another small baby in our lives. you're not any more being selfish. it really is ultimately time that you need to have time for your self. it really is about time too.

Answer 7

enjoy, and encourage them to help feeding and cleaning. It's a good idea as some children are frightened of animals until they have first hand experience of them.Handy thing those wet wipes for after handling their bunny.

Answer 8

Don't let them pick it up. Rabbits do not like being held since they are prey animals.

Answer 9

Be careful if the children want to hold it. Bunnies like to jump out of your arms and they may scratch.

Answer 10

yes. make sure you cook it properly. young children are especially vulnerable to under cooked meats.