I understand. I'm fortunate to have a small local hardware/feed store nearby who sells most things I need - but no live animals. They charge a little more, which is acceptable to me.
Hay from pet stores is almost always awful and old, anyway. If you look at it closely it is usually dried up...
I agree with you, purchasing the chicks and ducklings only encourages the company to continue using the same method - because their customers approve if they are buying. I go one step further and purchase nothing from the company if I don't like their practices. I don't want to support them at...