Bringing Home the Easter Bunny

What precautions can parents take ensure the safety of their child and the rabbit? Snopek suggests teaching your child—even toddler aged—the proper way to handle and care for their new pet.

• Gentle petting. They don't like to wrestle like dogs do—they like soft stroking.
• Don't chase the bunny. If he hops away, wait till he comes back.
• Don't touch droppings or cage litter.
• Don't pick up the bunny. It scares him, and if he struggles, he might scratch.

"Never allow the child to interact with the rabbit without adult supervision," says Janis Abel, a member of the Bunny Buddies executive committee. Bunny Buddies, based in Houston, Texas, is an organization working to educate people about rabbits. "Rabbits should not be picked up unless you are sitting on the floor, but even that is not recommended for really young children—teach them to be satisfied by petting while sitting next to the bunny."