2006-12-12 04:33:53 · 18 answers · asked by shorty2002 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Rabbits vaccination will depend on where you live. In the US I don't think there are any available. In Australia you can vaccinate against RHD (Calici) but not Myxomatosis. In Europe you can, or could, vaccinate against both. I don't know of any diseases that they transfer to humans and being herbivours their mouths don't carry as many germs as say a cat or dog.
They can make a great childs pet if some things are kept in mind. A lot of rabbits don't like being picked up and cuddled but will happily play in a room with you or jump in your lap. Rabbits bones are fragile and can be broken easily. They need to be handled with confidence and care otherwise they will struggle hurting both themselves and the handler. Their back legs are very strong and can really give a nasty kick. I'm sure we've all see photos of cats being held by young children in very awkward positions, there is no way a rabbit could be handled like that.
A couple of other things to keep in mind is how much time the parent is willing to give to the pet. Rabbits will need their hutch or litter boxes cleaned out regularly as well as grooming and nail trims. They are social animals that thrive on attention and love, so please don't put them in a cage down the back yard somewhere. They can also be quite long lived, anywhere from 8 to 14 years, so it's quite likely that what started as a child's pet will end up as the parents.
2006-12-13 00:38:48 · answer #1 · answered by mbunnyau 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits ARE safe pets for children. I seen a lot of people saying they bite a lot, but you have to understand that anything that has teeth can bite, heck I have teeth, I can bite. It depends on how the animal is treated, if you tick something off, the most common thing it will do is bite, they don't have arms, so they can't push your arms away. If you get a rabbit from a pet store, or a breeder, it shouldn't have any diseases, they can however catch colds, and can get a respirtory infection if you use certain types of bedding. I worked at a pet store for several years, and my son would come in and play with them since he was able to walk. You just need to make sure you support their bottoms and feet, or they will kick like crazy. You also need to keep their nails filed or cut, because those suckers get sharp. It all depends on how the children behave, and handle the animal.
2006-12-12 13:53:29 · answer #2 · answered by Rachel R 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rabbits do not need to be vaccinated.
They are NOT rodents, as someone said, but some do bite (as will some cats and dogs).
Rabbits are not a "cuddly" choice of pets for your children. Most rabbits prefer not be held, and would instead like to sit quietly next to you. It is NOT safe to let your children pick up the rabbits- they are very strong and can fall to the ground and be injured.
That being said, rabbits can be wonderful family pets. Please find out more at the House Rabbit Society webpage www.rabbit.org
2006-12-12 08:42:21 · answer #3 · answered by ez_cheez 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Are rabbits safe pets for children? Do they carry any diseases? Do they bite?
2015-08-16 11:41:07 · answer #4 · answered by Enid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits require no vaccines and they generally do not bite unless they feel threatened. However, as cute as they are, rabbits are sometimes a poor choice as a pet for children, depinding on your child's personality and temperament. Rabbits generally hate bieng picked up and may kick and lash out with their claws as a result.
Here is a very good and informative article about the things to consider when getting a rabbit when you have children: http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/children.html
2006-12-12 04:43:56 · answer #5 · answered by Kotori Shizukesa 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are NOT pets for children. Rabbits are much too fragile for children. They require just as much work, if not more than, as dogs. Rabbits have to be spayed/neutered or you have an aggressive bunny to deal with. Rabbits can scratch and box at you, they have a swift powerful kick, and their bites are quite painful. Rabbits need to be kept in two or more so they will not become lonely. They can't be kept in their cage 24/7. They need more time out of their cages than in, or they will be bored and depressed. They require timothy hay at all times. And contary to popular belief, carrots are not good for them!
Go to this site to learn more about rabbits. http://homepage.mac.com/mattocks/morfz/rabcare.html
Rabbits are the #3 shelter pet, right behind cats and dogs. If you do get rabbits, adopt- don't buy from a breeder or pet store.
2006-12-12 06:42:57 · answer #6 · answered by gplover_2006 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I take in rabbits when children get sick of them. They are great pets, do not need shots. They can bite, but mine never have. Their claws are awful, so you must cut them all the time. They can be litterboxed trained pretty easy, so mine run around the house with the cats and dogs a few hours a day. They are fun, but they can be some work and they can live a long time. Usually kids tire of them. A hamster might be a better choice.
2006-12-12 06:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by bandit 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All animals carry the risk of biting, but if you get one from a reputable place, that handles their animals, it's less likely. I had a rabbit, and he was the best pet, never had to worry about him biting, but we did have to keep his nails trimmed, because they can do a pretty good scratch if they get spooked!
As for diseases, I've never known them to carry anything that would be a risk to their owners. As long as you keep them healthy (find a nearby vet who specializes in small animals), and keep their cage clean, you should have no problem.
Make sure they have a nice roomy cage, and make sure they spend quality time outside of the cage. A rabbit stuck in a cage all the time, can get aggressive, as well.
2006-12-12 04:39:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you read up on them before getting any for your kids,
http://www.rabbit.org/faq/sections/children.html
They are not easy pets to tend to, you may need to spend a lot of time and effort caring for them. You also need to educate your children about handling, feeding, playing with them etc.
Some rabbits do bite, but as it is with any other pets. Once he/she realises that you are not a threat, they will stop being defensive. If the rabbit is picked up the wrong way, he/she'll scratch and leave wounds.
2006-12-12 04:46:26 · answer #9 · answered by lala 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Rabbits are not rodents.
I've never heard of getting vaccinations for them. The only thing I would worry about is infection from their type of E.coli and the risk for that is very, very, very minimal.
They can bite though most don't if treated with respect. They're not cuddly pets. I would recommend them for older kids, especially as a 4-H project.
2006-12-12 04:59:09 · answer #10 · answered by akakarmamg 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋