It would make you so aware that children grow up fast, and before you know it, they ask for a pet. You may think that they are already mature enough to take care of pets beyond snuggles and playtime. Maybe a dog or cat is too much of a responsibility, or perhaps it can’t be had where you live, but you can get some of the best rabbits for children to be their first pet instead. Some rabbit breeds bond much more easily than others. While giant breeds are gorgeous and often friendly, their elongated bodies always make them more susceptible to injury and that just is not a big deal for young children. In addition, they have shorter life spans, typically five or six years; however, some of the big breeds have fewer opportunities to live more than four years.
Of course, there are many rabbit breeds suitable for children. Here in this article, I shall enumerate the top 10 best rabbits for children that would be just perfect for your little ones to take care of and love!
Top 10 Best Rabbits for Kids
- Sussex
- Himalayan
- Californian
- Thrianta
- Dutch
- Florida White
- Japanese Harlequin
- Chinchilla
- French Lop
- Havana
1. Sussex Rabbits
The Sussex hare, while still a generally new variety, is becoming well-known as an ideal pet. It is cordial, compliant, and curious, as well as extremely clever, making it simple to show this breed’s stunts. Inclined to rapacious, this rabbit breed can get extremely fat rapidly so it is ideal to screen their weight and diminish treats assuming that you feel your bun has become rounder than it should be.
2. Himalayan
Himalayan rabbits are one of the most famous varieties for kids, they are well-disposed, keen on all that you do, and agreeable. They likewise have a delightful appearance – a smooth, white body with a dull nose and dim ears. This breed is likely the cuddliest of all bunny breeds and one of the most lively, yet with this they require bunches of excitement as consideration and toys.
3. Californian
By all accounts, the Californian bunny breed is the same as the Himalayan, yet they are a lot bigger and can weigh up to 12 lbs. They are easygoing, well-disposed, and quiet animals who love consideration from individuals and make exceptionally tender pets for families.
4. Thrianta Rabbits
Thrianta hares have a cuddly teddy-bear-like appearance and are famous as delicate, well-disposed, and social creatures. They have a red-brown-hued coat and are sleek and delicate. They weigh around 5-6 lbs and do very well as show hares, as well as making ideal pets for families with small kids.
5. Dutch Rabbits
Dutch rabbits have a lovely appearance and are generally white and dark or white and brown in variety. They are quiet and amicable however may require a consolation to associate (as they can be bashful). They are just 5 lbs when they are completely developed, which is a decent size for kids.
6. Florida White Rabbits
The Florida White, as the name recommends is an unadulterated white rabbit, ordinarily with pink eyes. Initially, these bunnies were only utilized for meat and research center guinea pigs, however, as of late they have become very well-known in shows and as pets. They are generally little, gauging around 4.5-6 lbs, and are extraordinarily open-minded, so once more, are a splendid pet for kids.
7. Japanese Harlequin Rabbits
Japanese harlequin rabbits are superb pets – particularly on the off chance that you need a bunny that can learn stunts to a point it has been considered ‘canine-like’. This is an extremely savvy rabbit and is likewise delicate, quiet, and tomfoolery. They love individuals yet showing this breed is incredibly troublesome as their markings must be great! The body is normally dark, with two orange groups around it and one orange stripe down the center of the face.
8. Chinchilla Rabbits
Chinchillas rabbits are lovely with a sweet nature and quiet, cordial demeanor. They are eminent for their incredibly delicate fur and everybody loves stroking them. They are a decent variety to keep assuming you are searching for a house rabbit that likewise does fine outside.
9. French Lop Rabbits
The French Lop is the biggest of all the hack breeds and can weigh up to 14 lbs. They are great pets – particularly on the off chance that you need a delicate monster with floppy ears who will continuously be friendly, prepared for a snuggle, and will constantly be there prepared to welcome you and mingle when you return home.
10. Havana Rabbits
Havana rabbit is also the best rabbit for kids and they are frequently shown seriously and as a rule, come out top. They are in many cases strong dark in variety, with short ears and huge eyes, and are very fun-loving and social, however, most won’t be content snuggling for extensive periods as they get exhausted. They weigh between 4.5 and 6.5 lbs (an optimal load for youngsters).
Are Rabbits Good Pets for Kids?
Nobody can deny that – rabbits are playful, cute, and sometimes quite clever and cheerful. They make great pets for kids because they create wonderful relationships with their owners and spend high-quality time playing with children. Before getting one of the best rabbits for children as a pet for your child, there are several factors to consider. First and foremost, one should teach how to handle a rabbit properly. Children love picking up rabbits, but this can be dangerous because improper handling can easily lead to serious injuries.
Before letting children spend their solitary time with one of the best rabbits for kids, they must know how to play and deal with them appropriately to avoid unfortunate situations which, regrettably, come true often when kids are not educated on the proper handling. Since the rabbit is a prey animal, it becomes afraid of being touched and fearful of being picked up, such that it may jump or squirm out of a child’s clutches with the resultant injury and immense stress caused.
Generally, kids love playing with the rabbit on the floor, especially young children. Make them understand as much as possible that they are not supposed to hold the rabbit but instead cuddle and play with it while keeping it safe on the floor. That way, they can love the pet by quality time spent together without stressing or injuring the rabbit.
Sometimes, children become bored with their pets because they believe that a rabbit is going to turn out as a toy and has to be as friendly and cuddly as dogs. It all goes wrong when that is not the case. Therefore, it is extremely important to disprove this notion by saying that rabbits are not exactly easy or low-maintenance pets for children. Rabbits are not pets but complicated animals requiring care and attention. If you cannot offer that, or your child needs a little patience and responsibility, then possibly you will want to reconsider getting them one of the best rabbits for kids.
Pet Rabbits: What They Need and Are They Too Big of a Responsibility for a Child
Even though, in many ways, a rabbit can be less maintenance than a dog, there are still so many needs that have to be met, and it can be just too much for some children (and families) to handle. Their diet is pretty simple: primarily timothy or grass hay, with leafy veggies and pellets in smaller amounts, but even this simple diet has caused stomach problems and they can easily develop GI stasis. It is fatal in as short a time frame as one day. Make sure your rabbit has enough fiber and exercise to maintain good health.
This brings us to our second important aspect. However, most of you will tell you to keep rabbits in cages. That’s dead wrong. Not just a psychic kill but kills them slowly. Rabbits need room to exercise and explore – the more giant the rabbit, the more space it will demand to flourish. Many owners choose large puppy pens that will serve as a safe environment for indoor play but you will also have to rabbits-proof your home if you want to save wires, baseboards, or furniture legs from becoming a chew toy.
Rabbits are meticulous about self-grooming but will also require frequent grooming. These animals will require regular grooming a few times a week, as rabbits shed and can ingest a lot of fur themselves while grooming. This could lead to GI blockages and health issues. While brushing is a great bonding time with your pet, it can also be perceived as a chore by your child thus, let them understand the importance of grooming and that it’s their responsibility to learn how to take care of their furry friend. And if they do, they’ll develop a strong bond with one of the best rabbits for children.
While rabbits are relatively hardy pets, that doesn’t mean they don’t get sick or need regular vet checkups to stay healthy. Find a good rabbit vet for routine exams, as well as for emergencies. Pay attention to potential health issues of rabbits: eye and ear infections, parasites, fleas, malocclusion, and GI stasis. You’ll probably want your rabbit spayed or neutered at around six months of age. This will, apart from helping their temperament, also help save their health. Neutered rabbits are at greatly reduced risk of developing testicular or ovarian cancer and are also less likely to show aggressive or territorial behavior. Rabbits that aren’t spayed or neutered are not the best rabbits for kids, as they can be more challenging and ill-prone characteristics every pet owner would like to avoid.
But remember, after all, that a pet rabbit is pretty much like any other pet, and it needs proper care. If your child is mature enough to care for another creature, they’ll enjoy having some fun, sweet, lovely rabbit companion stick around with them for an average of 5 to 12 years.
Related: 6 Top Common Rabbit Diseases and How To Prevent Them