It's That Time of Year Again - Easter Rabbits & Chicks

It is the season of spring and Easter, and with that, the annual warnings about giving rabbits and chicks as gifts. While cute and fuzzy this time of year, rabbits and chicks will grow up into real pets that require as much attention as a dog or cat, not to mention the additional knowledge and equipment that is required for the proper care for these species.

Purchasing a rabbit or chick is not usually the expensive part (and thus making impulse buys all the more attractive for some people). Taking care of animals, however, over their lifetime is often much more expensive than people anticipate. From a 2002 report from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS):

The HSUS estimates that new rabbit owners will spend $300 when acquiring a rabbit--$150 to cover the costs of a cage and other necessary equipment. In addition, taking care of a live animal requires regular expenses for grooming, food, toys, and other supplies. The HSUS also encourages all pet owners to save $20 per month for unforeseen expenses, such as emergency veterinary care and care for elderly pets. Full story.

All too often, Easter gift animals are relinquished to shelters or let loose in the wild to fend for themselves (usually with disastrous results) after the initial fun wears off. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), rabbits are the third most commonly relinquished animal at shelters. Sadly, this is not a lesson that we should be teaching children -- that pets are disposable.

Please think twice and spend some time researching what type of housing, food, and veterinary care are required for these and all new pets. Doing so offers the best of both worlds -- it teaches children about responsible pet care and provides the best living environment for pets in the household.

Related Reading:

• Have a Happy Cat-Safe Easter
  Learn about rabbit pros and cons from Franny Syufy, Guide to Cats
• Rabbit Care Guide
  Learn about rabbit pros and cons from Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets
• Live Rabbits and Easter Can be a Bad Combination
  Carefully Consider the Decision from Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets
• Easter Chicks Warning - Chicks May Carry Salmonella
  From Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets
• Easter Bunny? Make Mine Chocolate.
  From the HSUS
• Easter is No Time to Give Pets as Gifts Says The HSUS
  From the HSUS
• Rabbits as Easter Gifts
  From the ASPCA
• All About Rabbits
  From the House Rabbit Society

Photo credit: Rabbit © peterastn on Flickr

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