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Easter Animal Facts

Rabbits

 

-Rabbits will live an average of 10-12 years, sometimes more

 

-Domesticated rabbits cannot survive in the wild and will quickly die if set free

 

-Rabbits need to live in the home, uncaged, and the home needs to be bunny-proofed to avoid damage to the home and harm to the rabbit.

 

-The most important thing to remember when caring for a rabbit is to provide them with the correct diet of lots of hay, leafy greens, and minimal pellets.  The wrong diet could result in a quick death for rabbits.

 

-Rabbits are not good pets for children because they frighten very easily by their unpredictability. 

 

-Rabbits need to be spayed and neutered.  This increases their lifespan, corrects bad behavior, and the issue of babies is nonexistent. 

 

-Rabbits can be litter boxed trained, but like any other animal, they do make mistakes here and there. 

 

For more info visit: www.rabbit.org

 

Still want a rabbit?  ADOPT!  

 

Chicks

 

-Chicks grow up to be full-blown chickens that can live an average of 8 years or more

 

-It is illegal in some places to keep backyard chickens

 

-Chickens cannot run loose in your yard.  Just like any other prey animal, they require protection from predators.  

 

-The Health Department advises against keeping chicks around children to reduce the risk of salmonella poisoning

 

-Chickens are prone to lice infestations 

 

-It is unacceptable to give your chick to a farm once it grows up to be a chicken.  When you adopt an animal, that animal is yours to protect and commit to.  A farmer will not care for your chick for the sake of the chick.  The animal will likely be used for eggs and then slaughtered for food.  Roosters are often slaughtered immediately, as they are rarely "of use" to farmers. 

 

For more info visit: https://www.farmsanctuary.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Animal-Care-Non-Cornish-Chicken.pdf

 

 

Still want a chicken?  ADOPT!

 

Ducklings

 

-Ducklings grow up to be ducks and will live an average of five to seven years, sometimes more

 

-The ducklings sold for Easter are domesticated and cannot survive on their own.  If released into the wild, they will quickly die.  

 

-Ducks poop a lot.  Duck diapers are a thing.  Are you ready for that? 

 

-Ducks need constant access to water for swimming and drinking.  This means they need to be provided a man-made pond or take frequent baths.

 

-Domestic ducks often suffer from a series of health issues and they need to see a specialized vet for treatment. 

 

-It is unacceptable to give your duckling to a farm once it grows up to be a duck.  When you adopt an animal, that animal is yours to protect and commit to.  A farmer will not care for your duck for the sake of the duck.  The animal will likely be used for eggs and then slaughtered for food.  

 

For more info visit: https://www.forthebirdsdvm.com/pages/care-and-feeding-of-pet-ducks

 

Still want a duck?  ADOPT!

 

 

Our Stance on Rent an Animal Programs

Renting out rabbits, chicks, and ducklings has become popular with some organizations, such as 4-H Club. Despite the fact that these groups claim they are doing this to reduce abandonment, they are falling short on this mission.  The process of animals coming in and out of the home on a "rent" basis does not teach children that animals are a commitment that require a lot of thought and care.  In addition, these animals frighten easily and become stressed under unpredictability.  The mission to reduce dumped animals at Easter can be achieved through education and outreach without putting animals at risk.

 

 

  

 

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