:wave: I think rabbits do make good family pets, as opposed to children's pets. Agree with all the comments about rabbits being prey animals and not good with being held etc, however I think no animal should be subjected to being handled or solely cared for by a young child. Personally I wouldn't allow my toddler to hold any animal including our rabbits, but I think the rabbits have been a lovely and realistic introduction to having pets. She has learnt that having a pet is: bloody hard work; expensive; selfless; time consuming and ultimately rewarding. She has had an early introduction to animals and their needs and I think this will make her more compassionate and caring in later life. I speak as someone who (rightly or wrongly) from an early age had pet animals and is passionate about animals to this day Claire x
I dont think becky is looking to debate the role of an adult as primary carer for a rabbit but rather to compose an artical on why a child cant be primary carer.
I for one am sick of hearing people use pets to teach children responsibility and letting the pet suffer as a result of the childs unwillingness.
:wave: I think rabbits do make good family pets, as opposed to children's pets. Agree with all the comments about rabbits being prey animals and not good with being held etc, however I think no animal should be subjected to being handled or solely cared for by a young child. Personally I wouldn't allow my toddler to hold any animal including our rabbits, but I think the rabbits have been a lovely and realistic introduction to having pets. She has learnt that having a pet is: bloody hard work; expensive; selfless; time consuming and ultimately rewarding. She has had an early introduction to animals and their needs and I think this will make her more compassionate and caring in later life. I speak as someone who (rightly or wrongly) from an early age had pet animals and is passionate about animals to this day Claire x
Plus theres the price- vaccinating, neutering etc etc, making them as almost as expensive as a dog, and the label 'childs pet' makes them seem very cheap and many parents may be unprepared or unwilling to pay for the expenses.