Chocolate Rabbits Make the Best Easter Gifts for People

SPCA Of Texas Encourages Responsible Rabbit, Chick, Duckling Ownership

(DALLAS, TX; WAXAHACHIE, TX); April 12, 2022 – Easter egg hunts, colorful candy-filled baskets and family gatherings are all wonderful ways to celebrate Easter. As the Easter bunny comes hippety-hopping to make his yearly visit, the SPCA of Texas reminds the public that rabbits, chicks and ducklings do not make good gifts.

“To adopt a pet is to bring home joy,” said SPCA of Texas Vice President of Marketing and Communications Maura Davies. “It is also important to remember that pet ownership is a commitment for the lifetime of the pet and that it is important that the entire family make the decision to commit to caring for that pet. Most bunnies, chicks and ducklings bought impulsively without everyone in the household being a part of an adoption often end up taken to shelters because families are not able to provide them with the long-term care they need to thrive.

“Although the idea of furry, fuzzy, fluff balls hopping through the fresh, spring grass may seem appealing, it is important to consider the following before adding these little ones to your family. Rabbits, chicks and ducklings are not ‘low-maintenance’ pets and are not the best choice for small children, who like pets they can hold and snuggle with.”

The average lifespan for a rabbit is 7-10 years, and the average chicken or duck lives to be about 8-12 years old. In some cases, chickens can live to be up to 25 years old.

Davies notes these particular animals are not passive and cuddly; rather, they are ground-loving creatures who feel frightened and insecure when held or restrained. They are also fragile, and their legs and spine can easily break if dropped or handled roughly.

“Rabbits require as much or more care as a dog or cat,” Davies said. “They need to live indoors as part of the family, they need their hutches cleaned daily, and they should be spayed or neutered.

“Chickens and ducks require specialized diets, habitats and care to stay happy and healthy.”

Before adding a rabbit, a chick or a duckling to the family, the SPCA of Texas urges people to do research and make sure they are the appropriate pet choice for their family’s lifestyle. Ending the cycle of abandoned Easter rabbits, chicks and ducklings can be as simple as buying their child a chocolate bunny or a plush chick or duckling instead.

It is also imperative to keep Easter candy away from furry family members, as their digestive systems do not handle sweets like humans’ do, and chocolate can be fatal for pets.

For more information, or to view all the available pets looking for loving homes at the SPCA of Texas, visit https://www.spca.org or call 214-742-SPCA (7722).