They become easily startled and do not like noise of young children.  They also require as much care as a dog.  They must be housebroken and cannot live outside away from their owners.  They must be spayed or neutered or they will mark their territory throughout the house.  If they are left unattended, they can chew up many objects, including electrical cords.  These lively creatures can live up to 10 years, which is a long-term commitment.
Chicks make equally poor Easter pets for children.  They also require a lot of attention and often do not live because they are so fragile.  If the chicks do survive the first few weeks, they can live for 5-7 years, and ducks can make it for 20 years.  These domesticated animals will not live very long if they are released into the wild because someone got tired of them as a pet.  They do not know how to care for themselves and will either starve or become prey for other animals.
According to House Rabbit Society, “Humane organizations…see an increase in the number of abandoned rabbits after Easter.”  They are the third most populous animal in shelters behind dogs and cats.
A better gift for you to give your children (and the animal community) at Easter is to teach them about properly caring for animals.  If all else fails there is always the old standby...CHOCOLATE!!!

To make a donation in Someone's Name for Easter please click here and be sure to add the name and address of the person you are donating for in the notes section.

Happy Easter!