The impulse is difficult to resist. Those cute baby chicks and little bunny rabbits would look so cute in an Easter basket. But unless those cuties are made out of candy or the stuffed toy kind, don’t do it.

“Taking in a rabbit or farm animal, like a chicken or duck, requires as much if not more attention and special food, equipment and shelter as a dog or cat. Unfortunately, many individuals are so caught up in the seasonal festivities and the cuteness of these animals that they purchase them without doing their research,” said John Bergmann, General Manager, Popcorn Park.

Guinness is a bit too big for an Easter basket, but would make a terrific pet. He's at our Tinton Falls branch.

“Tiny chicks quickly grow into full-sized chickens, and little bunnies into large rabbits – all with their own specific needs. The result – an overwhelming number of chickens, ducks and rabbits either turned in to animal shelters, or even worse, set free in the wild where they will surely die.”

Here’s a nice alternative Easter gift for a youngster. Instead of buying a Chick or rabbit, help care for one – or even a horse, tiger or other animal through the Popcorn Park Wildlife Club. Club members receive a color photo and story about their “adopted” animal, with updates three times a year, and can visit Popcorn Park free of charge with their membership card.

If Springtime is the right time for your family to bring in a new addition, consider adopting a cat, kitten, dog or puppy from one of the Associated Humane Societies three shelters in Tinton Falls, Forked River or Newark. Here, AHS staff will help you do the research to determine which pet best suits your lifestyle and home life.

All pets are spayed or neutered prior to adoption, screened for heartworm, vaccinated and microchipped. New pet owners also receive a leash, collar and identification tag and a small bag of Hill’s pet food. All pets have a 10-day medical guarantee.