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Red Bank Veterinary Hospital - Tinton Falls

Save a Life this Easter

Rabbit in a basket

MAR 16, 2016

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.

DID YOU KNOW?

  • If handled inappropriately, rabbits can easily damage their spine.

  • Chicks and ducklings can naturally carry Salmonella and E.coli in the feces. These bacteria can lead to diarrhea and death in children and people with a compromised immune system.

  • These pets are a long-term commitment and can live up to 8-12 years old.

  • Rabbits are the third most relinquished pet to animal shelters, especially after Easter.

  • Domestic animals released to the wild often do not survive due to an inability to find food and hide from predators.

A BETTER OPTION

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!

RESOURCES

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.