Do Bunnies and Chicks Make Good Easter Gifts?

Pop culture and photo opportunities at the mall have taught many to associate Easter with cute bunnies and chicks. But those animals don't make good Easter gifts unless someone is prepared to care for them, Sacramento County officials are warning.

"After the Easter Holiday, we receive many unwanted rabbits that were given as gifts,” a press release quotes Dave Dickinson, the interim director of the , as saying.

Rabbits and chickens both require specialized environments, the county's press release says: rabbits "require exercise space indoors and out, ample socialization, and specialized cages and veterinary care," while chickens "need a proper habitat including roosting quarters, require specialized feed, vaccinations and veterinary care, can be destructive to flower and vegetable gardens, and roosters are often a nuisance to neighbors."

Both animals can live up to 10 years, the press release states.

“Rabbits and chickens are excellent pets for many people, but as with any decision to add a member to your family, research and careful consideration are required," the release quotes Dickinson as saying. "No matter how irresistible they may be, we advise people to take the time to make the best choice for the animal and their home environment.”