Re: Rabbits in the Classroom

Posted by sushi on 7/02/07

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On 7/02/07, Bestfriends.org wrote:
>
> Are you a teacher who’s thinking about keeping a rabbit
> in your classroom? If so, here are some things to
> consider. First, ask yourself what you want your students
> to learn from the experience. If you want them to learn to
> treat all creatures responsibly, with respect and care,
> you’ll want to ensure that you provide an appropriate
> example for the students. The experience should be
> positive not only for the students, but for the bunny as
> well.
> So, before you get a rabbit, learn as much as you can
> about rabbits and their care. The House Rabbit Society
> website (www.rabbit.org) is a good source of information.
> Find out exactly what’s involved in daily care of the
> bunny – not just what his basic needs are, but what will
> keep him happy. Think about the cost of keeping a rabbit;
> besides food and housing, you’ll need to provide an annual
> checkup with a veterinarian, and there may be other
> veterinary costs if the rabbit gets sick.
> The best situation for rabbits in the classroom is when
> they belong to a teacher or other adult who takes full
> responsibility for them for life – someone who takes them
> home every
> day or brings them to school only on occasion.
> Here’s some more basic information about the care and
> characteristics of rabbits:
> ● In order for them to obtain essential nutrients, rabbits
> need a varied diet – that means lots of different
> vegetables (not just carrots). Hay and water should always
> be available.
> ● In nature, rabbits bond for life. They are lonely
> without a mate, so you should consider
> getting a pair of rabbits.
> ● Rabbits must be spayed or neutered to prevent serious
> illness, unpleasant behavior and, of course, baby rabbits.
> ● As prey animals, rabbits instinctively hide symptoms of
> illness, which, if missed, can result in rapid death.
> You’ll need to understand and be able to recognize signs
> of ill health.
> ● Because rabbits are easily stressed by loud, chaotic
> environments, they don’t do well in classrooms with young
> children, who tend to be noisy and move quickly.
> ● Rabbits are delicate animals, easily injured if not
> picked up properly. Children less than eight years of age
> should not pick up a rabbit; those over eight should be
> taught how to do it correctly.
> ● Rabbits can bite and scratch when they are frightened or
> perceive that they are in danger. Children may be injured
> if they corner a rabbit or try to pick one up without
> doing it properly.
> • 435-644-2001 • www.bestfriends.org
> ● Rabbits are most active at dawn and dusk. Bunnies need
> their sleep during the day (which is when students may
> want to play with them). After the class goes home, the
> rabbits will want to play and interact with people.
> ● You should be aware that some children may be allergic
> to rabbits. If this should happen in your classroom, ask
> yourself if you would be willing to take the rabbit home
> for the year.
> ● Rabbits are easily stressed by change. They should not
> be sent home with different
> families for weekends and holidays, but should always be
> with their own people, who will be alert to symptoms of
> ill health. And, rabbits should not be left alone in the
> classroom when school is out for the summer.
> Approaching the question of animals in the classroom with
> thoughtfulness and care teaches
> children to treat all creatures (including other humans)
> with respect. It teaches them that they have a
> responsibility to any animal, to any life, that is
> dependent on them. If you show that you are doing all you
> can to keep your animals healthy and happy, your students
> will learn valuable lessons from you about respect and
> responsibility toward all life.
> Note: The original article from the Colorado House Rabbit
> Society was condensed by Debby Widolf, Bunny House manager
> at Best Friends Animal Society.


Thats so true here Down under we keep rabbits but due to the
new law no non native pets. I keep 2 rabbits and some Betas
and your so right rabbits are not easy.

Posts on this thread, including this one

• Rabbits in the Classroom, 7/02/07, by Bestfriends.org.
• Re: Rabbits in the Classroom, 7/02/07, by sushi.