Easter Pets Sell Fast; Health Dept. Warns About The Cuddly Animals

Easter weekend is fast approaching and for many of us those presents can come in a cute, soft, cuddly and living form.

Stores like C-A-L Ranch stock up on several kinds of ducklings, chicks, rabbits and even baby turkeys for the Easter shopper.

But the Health Department also warns to use caution when investing in a fluffy friend.

Yes, they’re cute, with their little webbed feet and their big floppy ears.

“They feel soft,” said one little shopper.

Kids love them and adults can’t seem to resist them.

“We get tons of people coming in and not even just to buy, but to look at the chickens and bunny rabbits,” said manager Jeneka Farrer.

Of course — who doesn’t want a lovable little critter for Easter?

Farrer said they offer several types of pets this time of year for just that reason.

C-A-L Ranch Store stocks ducklings until June of this year. They run for about $5.99 and you’d better hurry because they’re going fast.

“They are pretty cute,” said Farrer.

The Health Department said before you purchase a duckling or a chick though, it’s important to know how to avoid diseases like salmonella.

Epidemiologist Mike Taylor said when handling a little animal make sure that you don’t touch it to your face and then also wash your hands thoroughly after holding it.

“There’s always a chance of illness to be spread when you’re around animals, because they don’t use the bathroom like humans do,” said Taylor.

The managers at C-A-L Ranch said if someone buys a bird, they have to purchase them in two’s because the birds get lonely all on their own.

The local Health Department also cautions to keep a constant eye on children under five as they hold small animals.