By Cynthia Alex
Spring is here, and rabbits are multiplying on packages of candy, Easter decorations, and in the
form of stuffed toy rabbits in all shapes and colors. With those adorable faces, floppy ears and
fluffy tails, it’s not surprising children start asking parents for a rabbit of their own.
Is it a good idea? Perhaps rabbits make good “starter pets,” the parents wonder, weighing the
idea. And, gee, bunnies are awfully cute.
But, while rabbits can be wonderful pets, parents too often find out rabbits aren’t good pets for
small children who quickly bore of their novelty. All too often, a week after Easter, the candy will
be forgotten, and sadly so will the rabbit be.
Unlike candy, rabbits live long lives, need attention, and have specific grooming and dietary
needs. They aren’t low maintenance pets content to sit idly in their cages. Nor are they pets to
be toted around by their young owners. Young children can easily terrify a rabbit, resulting in
injury to themselves or the rabbit from a bite or kick. Being intelligent and curious animals who
explore by chewing, there are other safety issues to be aware of. A chewed wire, for instance,
can cause a spark possibly killing your rabbit and causing a house fire.
If that’s news to the new owners, the rabbit will likely end up at an animal shelter along with
other discarded Easter basket surprises or, — worse — released outside where they are killed by
starvation, predators, cars, or illness.
In response to this problem, the Make Mine Chocolate campaign was established in 2002. The
campaign goal is to educate the public that real, live rabbits don’t make good Easter gifts for
children. A little education for both parents and children can help prevent impulse purchases.
Curious about rabbit care? MakeMineChocolate.org has an interactive “Accessorize Your Bun”
(as in Bunny) feature that is entertaining and informative. Meet a rabbit named Watson in an
animated setting and select all the proper supplies to keep him healthy and happy. The website
also has a simple “yes or no” questionnaire to help you determine if you really are a rabbit
person.
The Make Mine Chocolate Facebook page is another entertaining way to find out about rabbit
care. For those rabbit lovers who know “Easter is no fun for a REAL bun,” you can find out how
to support the campaign and be part of their community.
The symbol for the Make Mine Chocolate campaign is a pin in the shape of a chocolate bunny
with a blue ribbon attached. Wearing the pin, especially before Easter is a great conversation
starter. As the name implies, the campaign encourages parents to purchase a chocolate rabbit
or stuffed animal instead of a live rabbit.
Getting a rabbit means committing to 10-12 years, like with a dog. So, unless willing to take on a
decade-long commitment, parents should consider alternatives to a live rabbit as an Easter gift.
Brightly packaged chocolate bunnies, realistic-looking toy bunnies, lavishly decorated Easter
baskets, vibrant Easter eggs, and colorful spring flowers are all great gifts that children
universally love.
