Bunnies, chicks and ducklings represent the festive spirit of springtime, but animal welfare advocates say there are a few things consumers should consider before making Easter gifts and surprises out of these living things.

The House Rabbit Society, a non-profit based in California, “strongly urges parents not to buy their children live ‘Easter bunnies’ unless they are willing to make a 10-year commitment to properly care for the animals. Each year, thousands of baby rabbits, chicks, and ducks are purchased as Easter gifts only to be abandoned or left at shelters in the days, weeks and months that follow Easter.”

Ducks and chicks can be found at various Tractor Supply Co. locations nationwide, but the company stopped selling live rabbits a few years ago, said Brandon Puttbrese, spokesman at its Nashville, Tennessee headquarters.

The main focus of the company is livestock-based from now until the end of April as customers come in to find live baby birds. Supplies for raising birds — and rabbits — can be found year-round, Puttbrese noted.

“Tractor Supply is adamant about not selling ducks and chicks to children for Easter,” Puttbrese said.

Customers must buy two ducks or six chicks at a time “so people are committed to raising a flock. That is key,” he said. “Our commitment is that chicks are not sold as pets but raised for eggs or other reasons.”

A similar store, Agway in Grove City, Pennsylvania, also sells baby birds and rabbits this time of year, according to Lynn Jones, a store employee.

“This time of year, sometimes people get on spur-of-the-moment kicks,” Jones said, and make emotional purchases.

Both she and Puttbrese say that people should educate themselves before buying an animal instead of getting caught up in the novelty of the spring season.

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), “thousands of former Easter bunnies and chicks are abandoned each year when their novelty wears off.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends not giving “live baby poultry as gifts to young children” especially because they are at a higher risk for developing a Salmonella infection.

The Grove City, Pennsylvania Allied News contributed details to this story.