Reptile & Amphibian Forums

rabbit purchased today at a petstore as the result of an on the spot decision. I just stood on the other side of the open top rabbit cage, listening in on the conversation between the mother/son duo and the salesgirl. I could tell they had done no previous research on the rabbits, from the questions they were asking.. "what does he eat, does he like cabbage and lettuce and stuff?" "do they like being handled or played with? what do they play with?" "can we leave him for a weekend? no? well i GUESS gabrielle could watch him.. we'd have to ask her.."
the little boy was about.. 9 i would say.. maybe 8. And then he got to hold the bunny.. and after about 5 minutes the mother said "okay, where are your starter kits?"
*sigh* thats all i have to say

Well . . at least they asked some questions. maybe that is a good sign?

Pets are never a good impulse purchase, but maybe the bunny will be ok. Sometimes i think the main problem isn't just that people buy pets on a whim, but also because sometimes pet stores have staff that aren't knowledgeable about the animals that they sell.

There is a pet store near me that sells baby bunnies and tells owners "Oh yes, rabbits love to be picked up and held." I have yet to meet a bunny that likes to be picked up and held, especially by a child.

I have also seen pet stores sell bunnies and never mention that hay or vegetables should be a part of the diet at all.

Let's just hope the store only sold him one bunny and not 2 that will, in a few months, turn into 6.

On the upside, I believe kids should have the oppurtunity to be introduced to animals at a young age. (Of course the parent has to do the nessesary research, to provide what it needs)

But I was one of those kids, that my Mom says even when I was in a crib, had to pet everything and looked for all the animals everywhere. As I grew she allowed me to have guinea pigs, bunnies, rats, all rodents, our dogs , birds, even a spider monkey at 15

I was breeding guinea pigs when most kids were out playing hide and seek.

This passion just grew as I was older, and has become more and more awesome and exciting.

I cant imagine, NOT having that experience as a child.

Yes, there are always some very sad stories, of how people treat their critters, and their CHILDREN, for that matter, :0( But there are a heck of alot that sincerely care and try and learn all they can.

Its also wonderful we have forums like this these days, that people can come to and find answers, and talk with some more experienced bunny owners, and learn from them.

Guess the BEST we can do, is do our very best in taking care of our Bunnies, and try and educate the ones who want the BEST for theirs.

Have a Hip- Hoppity - Happy Day Guys !

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Eve

Oh i think kids should be socialised with animals too, i just dont like when people buy animals on a spur of the moment thing... i mean get the idea, goh ome and do some reading and think, then go back and get the animal.. dont ust buy it cause you aska few questions and he's cute hehe

Theres alot of that also, and some who get them , and after the newness wears off, they ignore the little ball of fur!

But lets hope theres MORE who will Love them and take the time to learn about them. I guess I'm the type who wants to see the glass as half FULL, LOL

Gotta love DA Bunny Wabbits!
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Eve