“Within the first few weeks of Easter an estimated 30% of all Easter “pets” die and another 60% to 70% are abandoned or turned in to shelters.”
-The Humane Society
I remember growing up and going to my aunt’s house for Easter. We would visit my uncle who lived next door to see his bunnies and rabbits. Of course I thought they were adorable and desperately wanted one at the time. But as a child I quickly lost interest in “Peter Cottontail” once I got that Easter basket filled with chocolate bunnies and peeps instead.
Having said that The Humane Society and ASPCA are reality checks for those parents/adults considering purchasing a baby chick or bunny as an Easter gift. As with other pets, bunnies, ducklings and chicks grow up and require a commitment. Chicks and ducklings can be carriers of salmonella.
Bunnies:
- Live on average 7-10 years
- They like to dig and chew
- They should be spayed and neutered
- Makeminechocolate.org a great alternative!
Ducks:
- Live on average 8-15 years
- Social animals and most likely require another duck for companionship
- Require sufficient space for shelter and safety from predators
Chickens:
- Live on average 5-8 years
- Scratch, peck and dig holes in the soil
- Check with local health and zoning boards before purchase
- Become hens and roosters pretty quickly
- mypetchicken.com….awful lot of work….
