COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Easter is just days away, and local officials are asking parents to keep live bunnies and chicks out of Easter baskets this year.

Baby chicks and baby bunnies make popular holiday gifts, but often times they end up being something people wish they could return.

Erica Meyer, Communication Specialist with The Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region, said every year around this time they see an influx of them at the shelter.

"It's really fun and exciting around any holiday to get a really cool gift for somebody, and I think that's why pets come up for people. But you have to think is that person that you're giving the gift to gonna want that animal?" Meyer said.

She added bringing home any pet is a big commitment, and a long one.

"Bunnies actually can live anywhere from eight to 10 years, and obviously just like with any animal there are costs associated with that," she said.

Another thing to consider: they grow up.

"They're really cute as chickens, but then they grow and they become roosters or hens. That may not be appealing to you or your neighbors, so just really think about the care that is gonna go into an animal before you add one into your life," Meyer said.

The El Paso County Health Department said baby chicks can pose a health risk too.

"Baby chicks, ducklings, and other baby birds can carry salmonella," Dr. Bernadette Albanese, El Paso County Health Medical Director, said.

According to health officials baby birds should not be given to anyone under the age of five and should be kept out of homes of people with weakened immune systems.

"These birds can have salmonella in their stools, so handling the birds, kissing the birds, even cleaning cages and bedding where those birds are kept, can pose a risk and this can be a serious illness," she said.

Symptoms of salmonella are diarrhea, stomach cramping and sometimes fever.

"In young children or the elderly or people with weakened immune systems that germ can actually get into the bloodstream and cause an infection of the bloodstream and spread to other parts of the bodies such as the bones," Albanese said.

Albanese added that it could result in serious infection and hospitalization.

"If you're going to have them handle those animals please do that under adult supervision. Make sure that the child is not kissing the animal because then they can bring those germs right into their mouth, and then when they are done handling the animal make sure you take them to wash their hands with soap and water," Albanese said.

For those still wanting to add a furry friend to the family, the Humane Society recommended checking out them first.

"If people are really really considering adding a critter to their life bring the whole family down. Make it a decision and be ready for a lifetime commitment," Meyer said.

And there is always the chocolate or marshmallow alternative.