RABBITS & CHILDREN

Many people have the unfortunate misconception that rabbits are ideal pets for small children. Unfortunately, this could not be farther from the truth. They are a delicate animal that should be handled with care.

Why are rabbits not appropriate for children?

• Children can be unintentionally rough. A rabbit skeleton accounts for only 7-8% of his body weight, while a cat's accounts for 13% of his. Due to their unique skeletal structure, rabbits can easily suffer fractures of the spine (or other delicate bones).

• As a general rule, rabbits do not like being picked up and carried around. It is natural for children to want to do so.

• Children are still learning to take care of themselves! One cannot expect children to take on the responsiblity of properly caring for another living creature.

• A rabbit's health must be monitored closely. Rabbits, by instinct, often hide illness until it is advanced and becomes an emergency. Children cannot be expected to detect these subtle signs that could save your pet rabbit's life.

• Children can be loud and excitable. Rabbits typically do not like loud noises - a frightened rabbit is not a happy one. Please remember that a rabbit's instinct is geared towards avoiding becoming prey!

• Children like to be "hands-on." Remember that as children are learning about their environments, they like to poke and explore things by touch. Children cannot be expected to be gentle and understand that rabbits do not like poking, etc.

A YOUNG CHILD SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED WITH A RABBIT.

Children Co-existing with Rabbits
Of course, with supervision and care, children can be taught to co-exist peacefully with a family rabbit (just as they can with a family dog or cat). Supervision in the beginning is key. Ensure that your child knows not to grab at, pick up, roughly handle or chase your rabbit.

A child must be taught to respect a rabbit and that they are not a toy. Teach your child to observe your pet rabbit and interact in appropriate ways, such as gentle petting on the floor. Teach gentle handling, such as placing the rabbit in your child's lap for petting rather than having the child carry the rabbit around. Rabbits learn wonderful games with their toys when they bond with their people (some will even learn to fetch!), a joy for a child to watch and a perfect way to safely interact. There are many ways for children to interact with the family's rabbit without endangering the rabbit's safety.

Also observe your rabbit for signs of aggression...rabbit teeth are sharp and if startled by a child, could bite.

NEW MOON RABBIT RESCUE POLICIES
We do NOT adopt rabbits as pets for children. A parent MUST be the primary caregiver of the rabbit. However, we are always open to adopting to families with children, where a child can aid in the rabbit's care with supervision.