Holiday Pets (Easter)

"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 of Utah's 'Easter Pet Statistics'

Bunnies, chicks and ducklings are oh so cute but like all pets they require your time and money to care for. Each year these common "Easter pets" end up at the Butte Humane Society because adopters are not prepared for the commitment they require.

After Easter every year shelters are flooded with chicks, bunnies and ducks that families no longer want or are able to care for. More often than not "Easter pets" never find the loving homes they deserve.

These cute baby "Easter pets" grow into adult animals that most households are not prepared to handle.  For example, chicks and ducklings can be carriers of salmonella, a disease that kids are especially vulnerable to. 

If you're still interested in adopting one of these sweet animals we urge you to please take your time researching and don't rush into a purchase.  For more informaiton you can visit www.rabbit.org.

If you do decide to get a duck, chicken or rabbit please consider adopting from the Butte Humane Society first. Availability of these animals is subject to change.

Tips and Links for more research:

Rabbits:

Average lifespan: 7-10 years
Facts to consider:

• Rabbits may not do well in a household with young children, they do not like being lifted off the ground and are delicate
• Rabbits like to dig and chew, you will need to 'bunny-proof' your home
• If you get multiple rabbits it is very important to have them all spayed and neutered before introductions
• Multiple rabbits in a house hold don't always get along and can get into fights
• Weekly expenses can be as high as $20 between the hay and fresh veggies, not including occasional expenses of treats, toys, litter box filler, pellets etc.

Helpful sources to begin your research:

• http://www.myhouserabbit.com
• http://www.thebunnybasics.com
• www.rabbit.org

Ducks:

Average lifespan: 8-15 years
Facts to consider:

• Ducks are very social animals, having more than one duck might be necessary if you do not have plenty of time to spend with them
• Plenty of space and a shelter to keep ducks safe from predators are both necessities
• Ducklings will need to be kept in a indoor pen/cage for the first few weeks you have them

Helpful sources to begin your research:

• http://www.petducksblog.com
• http://keeping-ducks.net

Chickens:

Average lifespan: 5-8 years
Facts to consider:

• Chickens obsessively scratch, peck and dig holes in the soil, if their housing area is too small the floor may soon resemble a excavation site
• Some towns and neighborhoods have specific regulations for chicken owners (or don't allow chickens at all). Make sure to check with both the health and zoning boards prior to making a chicken purchase
• Roosters are very noisy, which is something to seriously consider if you want a breeding flock

Helpful sources to begin your research:

• http://www.mypetchicken.com
• http://www.backyardchickens.com