Don’t Buy Bunnies for Easter

Rabbits Are Not Easter Gifts (And Neither Are Chicks Or Ducks) 

In fact, animals are not gifts at all. They are a lifetime commitment. It’s a sad fact that most of the the rabbits, chicks, or ducks purchased as Easter gifts will be abandoned before their first birthday. Others will live out their lives in small cages – ignored when children lose interest.

Rabbits are so cute! They are indeed. But they are not low maintenance, most do not like being held, and they do not make good pets for young children. Rabbits are ground-dwellers and being picked up can be frightening for them. Rabbits have fragile skeletal systems and can be easily injured if not handled properly.

But my child wants a rabbit/chick/duck! Unfortunately, more often than not, both children and adults lose interest in their care and cuteness shortly after the excitement of Easter. Rabbits, chicks, and ducks need care specific to their species and often die within a

few short weeks (sometimes days) after Easter. But we really want a rabbit/chick/duck. Do you REALLY? Bunnies are awesome companions, and chickens and ducks can be as well, but they’re not dogs or cats, and they need care specific to their species. In addition, you may be violating zoning laws by having a chicken or a duck as a pet-and when they grow up they can be LOUD (and sometimes aggressive). If you are truly interested in bringing any pet into your home as a permanent part of the family, do your research. Find out if the animal you want is the right pet for you and, more importantly, if you have the right home life for that pet. NEVER ABANDON A PET IN THE WILD. THEY WILL DIE.

Some Quick Rabbit Facts:
Rabbits need just as much attention as dogs and cats (if not more).
Rabbits live 10-12 years or longer.
Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered.
Rabbits need to live inside your home in a pen, a room of their own, or free-range.
RABBITS DO NOT BELONG IN A CAGE. They need their own toys and bunny-safe things to chew on, and they are very social and do better with a spayed or neutered bunny friend.
And like any other living creature, they need medical care when they are ill, and annual check-ups from rabbit savvy veterinarians.

Other dangers at Easter include Easter lilies, daffodils, tulips and candy. Keep them away from ALL animals.

DON’T GIVE LIVE RABBITS, CHICKS, OR DUCKS FOR EASTER
Choose Chocolate. Choose A Story Book. Choose A Stuffie.