Easter Pets
Written by Shula Berg BVSc CertAVP(GSAS) GPAdvCert(SASTS) MRCVS
Clinically reviewed by Elizabeth McLennan-Green BVM&S CertAVP(SAM) MRCVS
Table Of Contents
- Intro
- Rabbits
- Chicks
- Getting A Pet
Around Easter, we are bombarded with cute photos of fluffy bunnies and bright yellow chicks. These are designed to be appealing, and make you want to reach in and give them a squeeze! If your children are reaching an age where they might be able to look after a pet, this could be the push you need to make their dreams come true and bring home a bunny of their own, but is that really a good idea?
Rabbits as pets
Rabbits are complex animals that require a lot of space and a specific diet to thrive. They are not great pets for children for the following reasons:
- When well-looked after, rabbits typically live for 10-12 years – much longer than most children will maintain interest, and possibly longer than they will be living at home!
- While some rabbits do seem to enjoy human contact, they are a prey species so don’t like being picked up or cuddled – they react much better with slow, calm movements which some children find challenging.
- If they feel threatened, rabbits can deliver a nasty bite – they also have very strong back legs, meaning even miniature rabbits can kick hard enough to bruise.
- Rabbits love to chew but this can be destructive; if allowed free roam inside the house, they must not have access to hazards such as electrical wires, houseplants, inappropriate food, children's toys and items such as hair bobbles or jewellery that could cause an obstruction if ingested.
- Rabbits are well-known for hiding when they are unwell, meaning by the time you can see a problem, they often need intensive care (which can be expensive) or may be too unwell to treat.
To keep rabbits properly, they need to be kept in groups of two or more, in an enclosure a minimum of 3x2m in size, and at least 1m tall, to allow them to run, jump and stand up fully. They need a diet consisting mostly of fresh hay and greens such as safe vegetables or herbs – this needs to be provided daily, and uneaten items removed.
Check out our Rabbit Care Guide for more detailed information.
Chicks as pets
Around Easter, many schools have hatching chicks for the children to watch. This can be a great learning experience, provided the chicks are sourced and cared for responsibly and ethically. Reputable companies will ensure that, once hatched, the chicks are placed at suitable farms, including smallholdings and hobby owners.
It might be tempting to offer a home for the chicks yourself, but is that really a good idea? Initially, they will need to be kept in a suitable indoor enclosure or under a heat-lamp for at least the first six weeks. They will then need a safe, enclosed place to roam that is a sufficient size to allow their natural behaviours such as digging. They also need shelter, such as a nest box, and the area may need rotating as chickens often decimate plant life. Consider also the current government advice around bird flu – this can mean poultry need to be kept indoors for prolonged periods, so suitable accommodation must be provided. Lastly, chickens can live for 6-10 years depending on breed, so are not a short-term commitment!
Getting a Pet
If you’ve read all about your chosen species and still feel like you can meet all their needs, then great! Take your time to learn everything about their care, and make sure you have everything you need set-up at home ready for them to move in (housing, toys/enrichment, food etc).
We know it’s tempting to find the first available pet and bring them home, but we strongly recommend taking the time to find your new friend from a reliable source. Look for breeders that consider the welfare of their animals, as poor breeding in animals like rabbits can hugely increase the incidence of chronic problems such as dental disease. If possible, consider adopting rather than shopping - there are many rabbits and other small pets looking for new homes in rescue centres. These have the advantage that their personalities are established, so you have an idea of how used to human contact they are, and any health problems are more likely to have been identified anyway.
Disclaimer
Please note that the content made available on this webpage is for general information purposes only. Whilst we try to ensure that at the time of writing all material is up to date and reflects industry standards, we make no representation, warranties or guarantees that the information made available is up to date, accurate or complete. Any reliance placed by yourselves is done so at your own risk.
Page last reviewed: 27th March 2025
Next review due: 27th March 2027