Easter is known for eggs, church, chocolate and fluffy bunnies and chicks.

Parents will rush their local pet store in search of the perfect fluffy companion to accompany their child.

However, for anyone who is familiar with the attention spans of children, the novelty will wear off rather quickly, leaving the creature to become a parental responsibility.

Some chicks are dyed to accommodate the colorful holiday and make them more appealing for kids. It’s frequently forgotten these animals will become roosters and hens.

Although urban farming has taken off in the past few years, it is safe to say that most families are not equipped to raise a full grown chicken, leading to neglect, release or unnecessary death.

The more common pet option for the holiday is certainly rabbits. Adorable and easy to obtain, rabbits are considered to be the “perfect” holiday pet for children.

Many parents also believe that a rabbit is an easier to care for pet than a typical dog or cat and that it’s fluffy appearance means it will be a mild mannered and loving creature.

Nothing could be farther from the truth.

In reality, rabbits require far more effort than a dog or cat. They are physically delicate creatures and require specialized veterinary treatment.

Most rabbits do not enjoy being carried around or being held tightly, which is exactly what most children hope to do. When in distress from such actions, rabbits will scratch, kick and bite to protect themselves.

Their fragile nature also makes them prone to broken bones if mishandled or dropped.

None of this is to say rabbits don’t make great pets, but the primary caretaker should always be a dedicated adult.

While it is true that if a rabbit is handled daily it may become more accustomed to interacting in a friendly manner with humans, but that is not always the case.

I know this because I own a giant, fluffy jerk.

My pet rabbit, Bunnicula, was purchased at a market where he was destined to become someone’s next meal.

At the time of purchase, he cost $7. After almost

six years of owning him, he has now cost thousands in vet bills and general care.

As estimated by the ASPCA, potential rabbit owners can expect to spend $125 a year on food, $125

for veterinary care and close to $400 annually on litter and bedding materials.

These numbers do not include litter boxes, hay racks, toys, treats and other items required for bunny care. It also does not include a cage, which can be a bit more complicated than realized.

An adequately sized cage, according to the House Rabbit Society,

is four to six times

larger than the rabbit. Wire bottom cages are common, but can cause harm to their sensitive feet, so solid bottom

cages are recommended.

Outdoor hutches are also common but leave rabbits open for attacks from predators.

No amount of money can guarantee the rabbit will be friendly either. Bunnicula was, like most rabbits, terrified when I first got him. He is no longer terrified, but he generally hates everything. I only hold him while trimming his nails, which is yet another task that must be performed.

It is true that rabbits are social creatures and he may enjoy being in my company, but that does not mean he will let me hold him. He will cuddle

with me on occasion, but one wrong move and he’s gone.

Rabbits that fall victim to neglect are usually

either set free or

surrendered to shelters. Many surrendered rabbits may never see another owner.

Before considering bringing a rabbit into your home, realize that it is an eight to 12 year commitment, which is far longer than the attention span of your child.

Realize that the responsibility will fall on you as the parents, which will involve adequate exercise time outside the cage, weekly cage cleanings, vet bills, nail clippings and much more.

They can make perfect pets, but owners must be devoted to the idea.

If this all seems like too much of a hassle for you and your child, opt for a bunny made of chocolate this holiday.

However, if a rabbit seems like a commitment you are ready to make, be sure to check the local animal shelter for surrendered rabbits.