With Easter fash approaching, this is a timely season for rabbit adoptions.

Sure, the cute little animals look as sweet as those chocolates given to children this time of year. But local animals groups want people to think twice before hopping on the bunny bandwagon. Bunnies are delicate creatures that can live for more than a decade, require a certain diet and can multiply like, well, rabbits.

The staff at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter at Nevins Farm is taking the issue seriously. They're hosting a "rabbit awareness" program Sunday, March 16, from 2 to 3 p.m.

"Certainly a lot of people look into chicks and baby bunnies around the Easter holidays, so we want to do our best to educate people," said project coordinator Jill O'Connell.

People think a rabbit is an easier commitment than a dog or a cat. But sometimes they find out otherwise and surrender their bunnies when the critters turn out to be more work than they bargained for, O'Connell said.

"If people choose to adopt, that's great ... just make sure that you have the information that you need to care for this animal for its lifetime," she said.

The shelter, which is on Route 28 | near Route 213 | is hosting the presentation to promote responsible rabbit ownership. The staff will talk about their experiences in caring for floppy-eared friends. They'll discuss things like optimal diet, handling, health, housing and socialization.

Cartoons have led many people to believe rabbits mainly feast on carrots, but that's not the case, O'Connell said.

"Tons of carrots are actually not good for them," she said. "It's more a treat for them than it is a staple in their diet."

Rabbits should eat rabbit pellets and fresh and dark-green, leafy veggies | except iceberg lettuce. Preferably, people should keep their rabbits indoors so they are not forgotten outside on hot or cold days, she said.

Rabbits need to be handled with care. By nature, they do not like to be picked up. It's easy to twist and hurt their backs, and they are used to being preyed upon by other animals, so their first instinct is to run away, O'Connell said.

"They're not the best to be handled by young children," she said.

Rabbits live 10 to 12 years, so parents need to be prepared to care for the animal if they get one for their child and their child grows up and moves away during the rabbit's lifetime. The animals also need to be cleaned on a regular basis, O'Connell said.

Animal officials recommend having your rabbit spayed or neutered. If they mate, the animals can multiply quickly. They are old enough to give birth by the time they are 5 or 6 months old. They have a short breeding cycle and breed year-round, giving birth to litters of multiple bunnies, O'Connell said.

The shelter at Nevins Farm currently has about 25 rabbits up for adoption.