Bunnies and Chicks are Bad Decisions for Easter Gifts

This Easter don’t let the cuddly, fuzzy-faced allure of a bunny or a baby chick cause you to make a huge mistake. Though tempting, the Humane Society of Elkhart County cautions that bunnies and chicks do not make good Easter basket gifts, especially for small children. 

Each year, humane societies across the country are overflowed with Easter bunnies bought on a whim, many times by parents, who quickly realize bunnies require more love, affection and preparation than their kids (or they themselves) were ready for. Many times the bunnies are even set free in the wild only to end up as prey or hit by cars. Chicks, which unless you live on a farm are never a wise choice for a pet, also face harm due to improper care and unpreparedness. 

“Having a pet, regardless of the type of animal, is a huge responsibility that requires doing some research beforehand,” said Anne Reel, HSEC executive director. “People sometimes forget that small pets like bunnies and chicks require just as much care as cats and dogs, leaving these animals to suffer and face neglect.”

So before purchasing either of these animals as Easter gifts, keep these facts in mind.

Bunnies:

• Bunnies, like most pets, require regular veterinary exams and should be spayed or neutered.
• They need regular nail trims and chew toys to keep their teeth filed down. 
• Human contact is important for bunnies and they should have playtime outside of their cage.
• Bunnies live an average of 7-10 years and need hay and fresh greens daily in addition to pellets for a healthy diet.

Chicks:

• Chicks bought for Easter typically end up dying within a few weeks of the holiday due to stress, broken bones from accidentally dropping or squeezing them and/or improper care and diet.
• Young chicks require a brooder box to supply heat and older chicks need specially designed chicken coops.
• That adorable little chick that fits in the palm of your hand will soon be a full-grown hen or rooster.

If you think you’re prepared to take on the responsibility of owning a new pet, the Humane Society has bunnies to adopt. Otherwise; it may be a better idea to stick with chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks this Easter. 

For information on adopting a bunny (bunny adoption fee is $15 with proof of cage) or any animal from the HSEC please visit www.elkharthumanesociety.org for details and an application.

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