That s not a normal life span. With proper care, domestic rabbits can live 8-12 years or longer. If no one makes a significant investment of time, attention, and care of a classroom rabbit, the result is a withdrawn animal who does not have much to give back to the students. Shelters are overflowing because of the common perception of animals as objects to be passed around, cared for only when it s convenient for people to do so, then abandoned when they become too much of a bother. On the other hand, a classroom rabbit can help children learn to be responsible pet owners.
Animal languages are different from one another.
Each animal species requires different behaviors on the part of humans who want to befriend them. What a dog may regard as a playful overture may be regarded very differently by a rabbit. Responsible pet ownership means meeting the animal s needs, even when it s inconvenient. Because of the way rabbit digestion works, food, hay, and water must be available at all times. Cages and litterboxes should be cleaned daily of soiled matter and must be thoroughly scrubbed weekly.