Easter Babies

colored chicks As a child, one of the most exciting things I remember about Easter was going to the store and seeing bins filled with colorful baby chicks. On my grampa's farm I would chase the little chickies all over the place trying to catch one. They were too swift for me darting under the fence or into an opening in the barn. Finally the mama hen would get fed up and jump all over me. Scared me from chasing her babies. That's for sure.

Children love little baby bunnies, ducklings and chicks. They are cute a cuddly. Fun to play with for about a day or so. But what happens after the novelty wears off?

Rabbits and birds need special care. While they may make excellent pets for some people, they are not toys. Please resist the urge to buy them for your children unless you are willing and able to take proper care of them. Every year after the Easter holiday animal shelters get an abundance of left over easter "babies".

Some animals are better enjoyed as the delicate beauty of nature. Left in their natural habitat.

Like my grandmother used to say, "These aren't play pretties." You look but don't touch.

They should never be dyed or left at the mercy of a three year old, or any child for that matter. Teaching our children to respect the earth and the animals who live among us is vital.