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 and time consuming than people anticipate. All too often, Easter gift animals are abandoned at shelters or let loose in the wild to fend for themselves (usually with disastrous results) after the initial fun wears off.
According to the ASPCA, thousands of rabbits (thousands!) are left at shelters each year. 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 cat pros and cons from Franny Syufy, Guide to Cats - Rabbit Care Guide
Learn about rabbit pros and cons from About.com Exotic Pets - Live Rabbits and Easter Can be a Bad Combination
Carefully Consider the Decision from About.com Exotic Pets - Easter Chicks Warning - Chicks May Carry Salmonella
From About.com Exotic Pets - All About Rabbits
From the House Rabbit Society
Photo credit: Rabbit © peterastn on Flickr
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