Brace yourselves… Easter is coming.

And with Easter coming, that means a whole slew of photographers offering “Spring/Easter Minis.”  Among these, you will find a few who are using real, live baby chickens and bunnies.

While this may seem fun and cute and adorable, (I mean, come on, who WOULDN’T love photos of their dressed-up, cherub-faced babies holding a chick or snuggling up with a fluffy bunny?!?!) for the animals, it is anything BUT fun.

Did you know bunnies have been known to die of fright?  Scroll down a bit on this article here and read about it.

Chicks are small, easily crushed, and can die from stress.  Small children don’t realize their own strength, and a quick cuddle for them could mean squished animals without them meaning to.

On top of the risk to the lives of the cuddly critters, the USDA requires permits for the use of warm-blooded animals for commercial purposes, including rabbits.

There is also a risk to your little ones, as well.  Animals can bite and scratch, and chicks have been known to carry salmonella.  Your littles can easily get hurt by a scared animal, or sick after handling a fluffy little chick.  For that reason, insurance to cover any possible injuries or illnesses is also required to be purchased.

Instead of using live animals, their digital versions are a wonderful alternative.  There is no risk of illness, injury, or death for the animals when a rabbit is Photoshopped into an image.  Also consider using the stuffed counterparts of live animals.  Then your little one can snuggle and cuddle all they want without fear of hurting a harmless animal!

Always remember safety, and enjoy the holiday!