Aug 30, 2008

CRITTER CORNER: Rabbits feel insecure with children

By Lindsay Reynolds / Daily News Columnist

I received an email message from an 11-year-old interested in adopting one of the available rabbits at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/ SPCA). He explained that he "had experience taking care of a bunny" and wanted to know which would be best suited for his next companion animal. Out of the dozen available rabbits, three were appropriate for his age and experience: Chewy, a friendly and outgoing adult Dutch male bunny; James, a small brown brindle male who is attentive and curious; and Junie, a calm and gentle female Lop ear rabbit.

Our staff felt all three rabbits would be wonderful pets for a first time owner and could live in households with children (supervised interactions of course). The other nine rabbits available for adoption range from fuzzy dwarf rabbits to the larger New Zealand breed, most of whom need either adult-only households or families with children in their teens who have rabbit experience.

Generally, rabbits are not a good match for small children. Rabbits get easily stressed by the natural exuberance and noise of a child. They are also extremely delicate and feel insecure when they are held and restrained, which most children do not understand. Families who want to adopt a rabbit should be ready for several years of commitment, and parents must be willing to act as the primary caregiver. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not low-maintenance. They require exercise, mental stimulation, socialization and veterinary care just like a dog or cat. Rabbits kept in hutches outdoors become depressed from isolation and have an average lifespan of about one year. Indoor rabbits that live as members of the family can live 8 to 10 years. Perhaps also contrary to popular belief, rabbits can be loved companions just like dogs and cats.

PHS/SPCA includes a spay or neuter surgery as part of the $40 adoption fee for rabbits; altered rabbits are healthier and have better dispositions. If you'd like a furry bundle in your life, we would love to help you find the ideal one. To view a sampling of adoptable rabbits, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org.



Lindsay Reynolds is the outreach coordinator for the Peninsula Humane Society. For more information, visit www.PHS-SPCA.org. or call 650-340-7022 ext. 344.