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The
Right Pet for You
TD Yandt |
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Spring
is sprung
The grass is riz
I wonder where
The birdies is
-- Garfield the cat |
As Garfield puts it, spring
is sprung. Some parents consider getting their children a pet
rabbit for Spring. They are small, inexpensive, and couldn't possibly
be difficult to keep...could they? Here are some things to consider
before running down to your neighborhood pet store to pick out
the cutest one.
Rabbits are not the best
choice for many families. They seem docile and calm as they sit
munching on fresh garden vegetables. But keep in mind, rabbits
are prey animals with strong instincts. Even a well-intentioned
youngster may find himself the recipient of a powerful kick. Large
hind legs can deliver a serious punch, and their nails can leave
a lasting scar that's both physical and mental on a young child.
That said, rabbits can make a wonderful companion for a quiet,
older child.
All rabbits tend to be on
the nervous side; some species are more flighty than others. If
you are looking into a rabbit for your older child, 12 and up,
consider Lops or Dwarfs. These two species tend to be better companions
with steadier personalities.
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Other important considerations
are cost, space, and the time you and your child will have
to spend with a new pet. Rabbits need to have space to run
and stretch their legs on a daily basis. They cannot live
happily confined to a small two- or three-foot plastic-bottomed
cage. The best option is to pick a room in your home for
the rabbit. A bathroom for ease of cleaning or your child's
room may be your best choices; you can easily keep the rabbit
confined to its room using a baby gate. |
Rabbits will also need a
hutch, a place they can go to hide out and not be disturbed. This
can be something as simple as a cardboard box stashed in a quiet
corner or as complex as a two-story, custom-built, wooden condo.
What is important is that it is dark, clean, secluded, always
available, and stocked with a fresh supply of timothy hay.
Another important piece
of equipment is your rabbit¹s water bottle. There are several
options available. Whichever you choose, make sure it is made
of a sturdy plastic, with a non-rusting metal ball tip. This metal
ball keeps the water from spilling out while your rabbit is not
drinking, but when pushed up the tube it allows a flow of fresh
clean water. The size of the bottle is not important, as long
as you are filling it with a fresh supply of water at least once
a day.
Initial costs can vary anywhere
between $50 and $500, depending on what kind of set-up you go
with. Rabbits are pretty inexpensive as far as long-term care,
and they are typically pretty hardy.
| Something else to consider
is the sex of your new companion. While males are more widely
available and found in most every pet store, they may not
be your best choice. Males tend to be very possessive of their
person, and will even go so far as to mark that person and
their belongings. Males have no qualms about urinating on
things and people they view as being their own. Rabbit urine
has a strong odor, and it will stain some fabrics. Your best
bet is to find a good breeder and to purchase an adult female.
Young rabbits can be difficult to sex; getting a young adult
is the only way to be sure of what you are getting. |
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When you have done your
research, decided whether or not you have the time, space, and
finances to properly provide for a pet, and are sure you are making
the right choice, both your future pet and your family will share
many years of friendship. A rabbit can make a wonderful addition
to the right family, if you research the pet. Although it¹s
difficult to resist their cute little furry faces, it¹s important
never to purchase any animal on impulse. Doing your research can
save you time, money, and a lot of frustration and heartache.
A former pet groomer,
TD Yandt is currently working as an artist and animal trainer.
Her goal is to positively impact the lives of pets and their
people by providing an education on individual species, their
proper care, and the use of operant conditioning to enhance
the human-animal bond. You can learn more about TD, and her
animal family, at www.noselicks.com
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