During Easter time, pet stores and agricultural stores are stocked with adorable rabbits, chicks, and ducklings for sale. While these animals can make great pets, we strongly discourage the Easter-time impulse buy. Bringing a rabbit, chick, or duck into the family is a very big decision. Please be sure to consider the long-term care involved before making one a part of your family and help save a life this Easter.
Although these animals are small, bunnies, chicks, and ducklings require a lot of space to exercise and perform normal behaviors. For example, ducks need a pond to swim! In addition, these pets have very specific dietary requirements that may change throughout their lifetime. Dietary requirements should be researched or discussed with a veterinarian since inappropriate diets can lead to a variety of health problems. The diet, cage, and veterinary care can add up quickly to a higher cost than expected.
Chocolate or plush bunnies often make better gifts for children than live rabbits. A pet shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences because they get forgotten when families no longer have time and move on to something else.
Help save a life this Easter and buy a chocolate rabbit and/or Peeps instead!
To learn more about a special campaign designed to prevent impulse buys of rabbits, and to see whether a bunny is a good fit for your family, visit Make Mine Chocolate.
If you are committed to welcoming a rabbit into your family, visit the House Rabbit Society for more information.
Before buying a rabbit, chick, or duck, check your local shelter or rescue organization first.
Most importantly, find a veterinarian who understands the special needs of these animals and is trained to care for them. Visit the Avian & Exotics department on our website to learn how we can help, or call us at (732) 747-3636 for more information.
