Bunnies, chicks are not low-maintenance pets

It's a week after Easter, and many of you now have added a fluffy little chicken or a soft baby bunny to your pet menagerie. Some of you surprised the little ones with a kitten or a puppy. The purchase could have been an impulse or a way to pacify an enthusiastic child as you walked through the mall. The problem is, children like to squeeze, hug and love these little creatures to death. Hopefully, you really planned for the addition and realize that regardless of the species, a lot of care is going to be required.

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits are not low-maintenance. They enjoy a wonderful life and live about 10 years. They should live indoors and absolutely should be spayed or neutered. You really need to educate yourself about the wonderful, positive aspects of owning a bunny.

Chickens are not the easiest pets on the planet. They need pens and pens need cleaning. Roosters may wake up the neighborhood and hens seem to never stop clucking. Both bunnies and chickens, like all baby animals and birds, grow up fast. So to treat your pet fairly and responsibly, you need to read about the species and provide the best environment they need.

One of the most rewarding things is to turn your new pet into a learning experience for your children. Read about the species, and share the care experience. Teach your children how to be kind to animals, including Peter the Rabbit or Rudy the Rooster. You can find a wealth of helpful information on the Internet. For rabbits, start with www.rabbit.org/easter provided by the House Rabbit Society, a volunteer, nonprofit organization that helps educate people about proper rabbit care and rescues abandoned rabbits. If there is a chicken in your life, visit www.birdhobbyist.com for good information about chickens as pets.

If your impulse gift was a kitten or a puppy, then you need to kitten or puppy proof your house immediately. There are supplies to get, trips to the veterinarian for appropriate shots, licensing, food and toys, and above all, proper training.

Dear Uncle Matty: I recently changed Andy's food to a more expensive brand that I'm sure has more good things in it, but he is not eating very much. I also think his tummy gets upset. Why is this happening? He is a 2-year-old Boston terrier. Thank you. —Ruthanne M., St. Petersburg, Fla.