Easter is approaching quickly and in the age of Coronavirus, it’s going to be extra tough on parents. This is especially true when they begin asking for an Easter bunny or chick.
First up, we all know that parents will be faced with a cherub-faced child begging and many parents will be faced with a cherub-faced child begging for a new bunny or chick. I urge you to avoid giving into this plea. Easter is one of the most horrid times for new chicks and rabbits, and most chicks and bunnies wind up meeting terrible fates.
Easter is a holiday about resurrection and renewal. It isn’t about abuse or abandonment. In fact, it really has nothing to do with rabbits or chickens at all. There are a thousand other options for your kids.
But since the public has utilized the rabbit and chick as icons of the holiday, it’s important to educate our youngsters on their proper care. (A Guide to Basic Rabbit Care will help you).
Rather than buying a new Easter chick or rabbit, please consider introducing your child to these activities.
1. Books Make Excellent Gifts
“What do you call three bunnies hopping backwards?”
From the Bunnies & Kittens Book
A receding hare line.
2. Make a Chocolate Bunny or an Edible Nest
Any kid who complains about receiving a delicious bar of chocolate should not have a rabbit anyway.
Making chocolate Easter nests from Chinese noodles and malted eggs are loads of fun for the entire family. Check out these fun recipes that teach you how to make chocolate bunnies and Easter nests!
3. Visit an Animal Rescue or Farm
Granted, we’re not allowed to do that over this Easter weekend. But, there are some amazing online webcams and educational activities that will give your kids a very similar experience.
There are many wonderful animal rescues who actually focus their efforts on rescuing rabbits and there are many bird sanctuaries. Look for one in your area. They often encourage visits, but please call ahead of time. This is an excellent time to teach children the value of volunteer work.
4. Make a Birdhouse
This is a wonderful activity for children and it benefits the avian friends in your yard.
We found a wonderful bird watching app on iTunes (MerlinBirdID) that helps you identify birds in your backyard. It’s very easy to use and it can help teach children about the birds that frequent your area.
There are also many plans for making birdhouses at 50Birds.
5. Make Toys for a Rabbit or Chick Rescue
Check out this article on making inexpensive toys for rabbits and this one on how to make toys for birds. Most rescues have specific guidelines on what they will accept, so be sure you call ahead and make sure you have approval before dropping off a basket of homemade toys.
We found an entire 1-lb bucket of wood pieces that you can use to make your own rabbit and bird toys
There are many ways to engage children in the fun of Spring (and particularly Easter)without endangering the life of an animal.
Other Articles You May Enjoy:
- Choosing a Rabbit as a Pet
- 5 Questions to Ask Before You Get Chickens
- Your Bunny Adoption Checklist
- What to Do if you Find Baby Wildlife
- A Guide to Basic Rabbit Care