Chickens for Easter???

[Chickiegirls2]

It is true...they do get dumped...

I happen 2 think even chickens are cute!!!!!!!

 

[KYChixMama]

MIL called me yesterday and asked if I still had chicks. Turned out a friend of hers wanted one. "Why just one?", I asked. "To give to her grandaughter for Easter" she replies. I asked her if her friend knew they needed a heat lamp, special food, water additives, etc. And what were her plans for the chick when it became full grown? "I don't know" she replies. I then told her I don't approve of giving animals as gifts, and if her friend was interested in having chickens that she was more than welcome to call me when her coop was built.

But if she just wanted her grandaughter to have the "baby chick" experience, they were invited to my farm to play with the bunnies and chicks, but none were for sale.

No way, no how, would I condemn one of my babies to certain death or abandonment. To top it off - death or abandonment that would be witnessed by a child. What a great gift to give a child for Easter.

 

[Glenmar]

Quote:
Well said

 

[luvchicks8]

I got my kids 3 chicken lasy year for Easter I now have 9 in the coop w/2 ducks and 10 babies in the brooder with 3 more ducks

 

[ragerkid2]

I feel that if you want them and you can get them for your kids for easter why not. As long as you can take care of them well.

 

[KYChixMama]

Quote:
That's the key. But if it's just for something cute for Easter, without a plan for the animals life, then I don't agree with it.

 

[gfcm]

Very well said, KYChixMama!

 

[Caat]

I JUST posted about this tonight, didn't know there was this post about it. My SIL "naively bought 4 chicks for her kids...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=492344 that's my rant

 

[jsmithmuxlow]

They should have one of those movies(like they do for babies before you bring them home) about the realities of raising chicken, ducks, and rabbits and have it play non-stop by the brooders/pens. I have researced for over a year before I got either my bunnies or chicks and still felt not really ready because alot of it comes from hands on knowledge or from people who have that knowledge that are willing to teach you. To me your adding to your family and should treat these littlle creatures as such-family.

 

[CowgirlPenny]

This is why I NEVER shop at pet stores,ever. I order online, or go to a feed store. I witness too many people buying lizards, birds, hamsters and more at pet stores with no set up in place and no idea of their care. Happens with chicks and bunnies too. I will say that we did get an Easter bunny one year, planned to get one, Easter was coming up and she was a fun gift. We had her many years and she was house trained. Loved her! RIP Josie.

As far as chicks go, yes they are super cute and IF you are actually interested in caring for them, long term...I see no reason why they can't be an adorable Easter gift (even though you are taking care of it) even though we have lots of chickens, my children would be very excited to see a chick in their easter basket, that we would brooder and add with the other gals.

But impulsive animal buying is wrong. I hate that flea markets let people sell puppies. Back yard bred, out to make a buck. Sad! People should think about the long term commitment of pets, even chickens.