Did aliens abduct all the baby chicks?

[dacjohns]

Everyone else did what you did, researched and ordered. They beat you to it.

 

[robinaggie]

My reply really wasn't JUST a rant. I realize that the feed store is a more important customer than I am. But the issue at hand is animal cruelty. Ideal asked me what I wanted them to do, since they have called the feed store and they feel that's all they can do. I suggested that they stop sending chicks to this place until they agree to treat them humanely. Is that too much to ask? If I sold live animals, I would starve myself to death before I would sell them to someone I knew would mistreat them. Ideal has other customers. This feed store is not their bread-and-butter.

I rescued four goslings whose feet were trapped in the floor of the pen at this place, one gosling is living with a rehabber and is permanently disabled. When I picked up a chick that was being chased down and eaten by other chicks, the store owner grabbed it from me and said he'd take care of it. There was blood all over my hand. They don't want my help. And now I can't even go back there to check on the chicks because they know I reported them. Thank you, Ideal Poultry.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I"d be dam*ned if I'd stay away just because I reported them. They should know that you may show up anytime to check on the condition of the live animals that they have for sale. And I'd let them know that I plan to let other customers aware as well. They'd straighten up their act or be getting regular visits from me loudly complaining so everyone could hear. I'm sure you're not the only one who feels that way...just the only one vocal enough to help out the poor animals.

 

[robinaggie]

Thanks oldtimegator, you're right. I'm not the one doing anything wrong, and I shouldn't be concerned. I just might drop in on my way downtown today.

 

[Psittizen Shikkin]

You could always make a couple picket signs that tell people how the "livestock" is getting treated at this place and call the local media. Who knows, maybe they're having a slow week and will put you on the local news. A little unwanted attention goes a long way. I know that you probably don't want to patronize this business if at all possible but perhaps you(and possibly a few of your friends) can purchase these chicks and give them a better life.

 

[robinaggie]

The animal control officer I spoke with said she had purchased injured chicks here to save them. But then Ideal just sells them more. I told a woman I met in a store that if she wanted chicks I would buy them for her, but she was hesitant to take chicks in that condition. What's really strange to me is that this is a small community, people know about this place and just stay away from it. Nobody gets angry!

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

How many chicks are left? Most feed stores don't get chicks this time of year. Is this store still ordering them?

 

[robinaggie]

I haven't been by since last Saturday, but they had several brooders full at that time, and some just-received chicks. I'll see what's left today, and buy them out. I can take them to the egg farmer. But what's the point if a) they make a profit, and b) they can get more? That's why I asked Ideal to participate.

 

[Momma_Cluck]

We usually have signs for chicks dotting the roadside all summer long... not this year!

The Economy has people turning to raising their own eggs/chicken out of financial need.. so fewer chicks are available (according to our local co-op)
Our local folks are keeping their chicks eating the eggs instead of selling em!

 

[lleighmay]

I must speak in defense of my local feed store, who order thousands of chicks (mostly to order). They always get a few extra (not alot) which are snapped up quickly by folks who just wander in and start thinking they might need chickens (or by folks who ordered chicks and decide they might need a few more when they come to pick theirs up). The ones who show up and want chicks that aren't there are invited to order their own the next round. The chicks that are in the store (briefly) are very well cared for and I have NEVER seen them out of water/feed/space, etc. I wish all the stores were like that instead of playing to the "cute factor" and ordering a large miscellaneous bunch hoping people will buy them just because they come in the door (frequently with their kids) and see a stock tank full of babies. I'll continue to order my babies through this local business because I know I don't have to worry that even if my chicks come in suddenly and I'm at work or temporarily unavailable my new babies will be well cared for and waiting for me to arrive. I wish they were all like this.