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Cute, but inappropriate — Chicks and bunnies don't make good Easter pets

Friday, March 8, 2013

Fuzzy chicks and cuddly bunnies are as much a part of the Easter tradition as dyed eggs, baskets full of goodies, and the bountiful Easter meal. Unfortunately, live chicks and bunnies are often purchased and given as Easter gifts, without any thought toward what happens to them after the celebration is over.

"Rabbits and chickens can make wonderful companions, but those adorable babies grow up quickly into adults that will need proper socialization, care and companionship for many years," said Inga Fricke, director of sheltering and pet care issues for the Humane Society of the United States.

Chickens are livestock, meant to produce eggs or provide meat, and rabbits, which can be agricultural animals, are also high-energy pets whose destructive tendencies and discomfort with being held often catch new owners by surprise.

The HSUS is asking people to refrain from giving live chicks and rabbits as Easter gifts, and to consider giving children plush toys or chocolate rabbits instead.

Rabbits

According to the HSUS, after cats and dogs, rabbits are the animals most frequently surrendered to animal shelters, largely because people acquire them as youngsters but aren't prepared for the long-term commitment involved. Others are simply released into backyards or into the desert by people who mistakenly believe they will be able to fend for themselves. Unlike wild rabbits, domestic pet rabbits cannot survive on their own outdoors.

Chickens also need dedicated, consistent care and far too many of them end up in shelters, rescues and sanctuaries as well. Contrary to Easter-time hype, rabbits and small children aren't a good match. The exuberance of even the gentlest toddler is stressful for the sensitive rabbit, according to the House Rabbit Society's website, which states:

"Children like a companion they can hold, and cuddle. That's why stuffed animals are so popular. Rabbits are not passive and cuddly. They are ground-loving creatures who feel frightened and insecure when held and restrained. The result of a short-sighted purchase of an Easter rabbit: the child loses interest, and the rabbit ends up neglected or abandoned.

"Easter bunnies soon grow large and reach adolescence. If left unneutered they will chew, spray or dig. Many end up neglected or abandoned. The result? Humane organizations such as House Rabbit Society see a huge increase in the number of abandoned rabbits after Easter."

Many of the rabbits that shelters recieve are left in the overnight drop-off cages.

"People don't realize they grow up!

Not only that, but the House Rabbit Society says:

— Rabbits are not "low-maintenance" pets, and are a poor choice as a pet for children.

— They have a lifespan of 10 years and require as much work as a dog or cat.

— Your home must be bunny-proofed, or Thumper will chew cords and furniture.

— Rabbits must be neutered or spayed or they will mark your house with feces and urine.

— They should live indoors, as members of the family.

In many areas, rabbits count toward the number of animals you are allowed to keep, and count toward your kennel license number. A person can have two pets in some city limits without a kennel license, but for three or more, a kennel license must be obtained.

Chicks

It seems that baby chicks arrive in feed stores just in time for Easter. But places that sell them, like Tractor Supply Co., say that's just a coincidence.

I've been told that they're there from March to May because that's the typical breeding season for chickens. They grow up very fast. About the second or third week they start to feather, the overall look changes, they become more of an adult bird.

Something to also consider is that buying just one chick is not recommended since chickens are flock animals.

In fact, Tractor Supply's corporate policy is to only sell chicks six at a time, not singly. The rule is in place to discourage people from buying them for the purpose of being pets or gifts.

Another reason not to buy chicks as Easter gifts? Many city ordinances ban keeping poultry within the city limits.

So if you want these cute critters in your Easter basket,please stick to chocolate bunnies and marshmallow Peeps instead.

Have a Blessed Easter

Pamela Bates,

Operations Manager,

Host of Pamela's Place,

Host of Weekend Outlook,

WDNG NewsTalk radio

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Keywords: chicks,bunnies,Easter, Humane organizations ,House Rabbit Society,Tractor Supply, Pamela's Place,WDNG,

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