Do any hatcheries still sell dyed chicks at Easter ?

[chickens really]

I don't think anyone said it was cruel. I know I didn't.
I said it was unnatural and unnecessary.
I never said it harmed the chick.
I think it is irresponsible to foster such practices especially for the amusement of humans. It shows a lack of respect for the animal and teaches same in impressionable children. It was only ever practiced for Easter time profit.
It wouldn't hurt to spray paint a child with all natural purple stain either. But I bet such a practice would be frowned upon.

I have seen little lambs, Poodles and Chicks coloured. My friends Maltese has had a pink tail all her life and done at the groomers. It definitely won't hurt the animal..

 

[BantyChooks]

I don't think anyone said it was cruel. I know I didn't.
I said it was unnatural and unnecessary.
I never said it harmed the chick.
I think it is irresponsible to foster such practices especially for the amusement of humans. It shows a lack of respect for the animal and teaches same in impressionable children. It was only ever practiced for Easter time profit.
It wouldn't hurt to spray paint a child with all natural purple stain either. But I bet such a practice would be frowned upon.

Thanks for the explanation

 

[DobieLover]

I have seen little lambs, Poodles and Chicks coloured. My friends Maltese has had a pink tail all her life and done at the groomers. It definitely won't hurt the animal..

Agreed.
It's still ridiculous and unnatural. And another great example of something done to the animal for the amusement of humans.

 

[BantyChooks]

Agreed.
It's still ridiculous and unnatural. And another great example of something done to the animal for the amusement of humans.

Do you count selective breeding for colour as something unnecessary too? Just curious.

 

[DobieLover]

Do you count selective breeding for colour as something unnecessary too? Just curious.

No. Dyeing an animal is not natural.

 

[Hyper_Chicken05]

Ummm... I heard it is not healthy for them. To be honest it doesnt really sound right to dye a live thing.

 

[IamRainey]

I don't think anyone said it was cruel. I know I didn't.
I said it was unnatural and unnecessary.
I never said it harmed the chick.
I think it is irresponsible to foster such practices especially for the amusement of humans. It shows a lack of respect for the animal and teaches same in impressionable children. It was only ever practiced for Easter time profit.
It wouldn't hurt to spray paint a child with all natural purple stain either. But I bet such a practice would be frowned upon.

Well said! And I don't think it's doing kids any favor either. It's setting them up with unrealistic expectations that life simply won't accommodate.

As someone earlier said what's missing in the way a baby chick or duck looks? But if that's not good enough for someone then I seriously wonder about the quality of the care they're going to give these living creatures.

 

[FlyWheel]

We live in the same state and I know of at least two dozen places like you're speaking of.
Want to know what all those cocks are for besides the obvious?
Taxidermy lol! Yes sir, a gamecock properly mounted can fetch upwards of 300 dollars.
I didn't make that market, just letting you know it is out there.

OK, I didn't know about that, raising for taxidermy. I guess that's no worse than raising for "market". Thanks for the education.

Was it labeled as " fighting cock feed" or "game bird feed"....because many have mistaken the latter as meaning the former.

Feed for fighting cocks. Or specially formulated for... I forget the exact wording, but I'm pretty sure "fighting" was in there. The product name was "Redneck Rooster"

wow, yeah. @FlyWheel I have game roosters. I am a vegan hippie guy. I dont raise my chickens for anything illegal and I obviously dont raise my chickens for eggs, I raise them because i enjoy them.

Please, don't get me wrong (you and the other guy who corrected me). Having a few cocks mixed in their flock, physically separated so not to fight each other (which they will do on their own) is not what I was talking about. I was referring to these "farms" that have many, many (I've seen up to a hundred) such hutches, all game cocks, without a hen to be seen. Cock fighting is a dark not-so secret vice in this part of the country. and I really do doubt the people who own these vast herds are really that cautious as to who hands them the cash. After all raising game cocks is not against the law, even if knowingly raising and selling them for such, is may be.

(note emphasis)

 

[sylviethecochin]

I don't think it's doing kids any favor either. It's setting them up with unrealistic expectations that life simply won't accommodate...But if that's not good enough for someone then I seriously wonder about the quality of the care they're going to give these living creatures.

You know, that's pretty much the same argument my one-time boss gave against children's fantasy books. I didn't think the argument was valid then, and I don't agree with it now.

The near-accusation is rude and unfounded.

It's a little harmless sparkle and a little paint. Pretty sure the OP's grandchildren know chicks don't come in purple naturally.

No. Dyeing an animal is not natural.

Neither is a coop. Or pelleted feed. Or anti-coccid medicine. Yes, it's a little ridiculous. The chicks themselves do not care.

To the OP. Yeah. They're not legal for sale in PA. And I rather see why, as I know a few people who used to get Easter Chicks.

Which does not mean that the technique itself will harm the chicks, only that some people are animal abusers. You don't deserve to be lumped in with those people, and I'm sorry this thread turned into such angry disapproval.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

OK, I didn't know about that, raising for taxidermy. I guess that's no worse than raising for "market". Thanks for the education.

Feed for fighting cocks. Or specially formulated for... I forget the exact wording, but I'm pretty sure "fighting" was in there. The product name was "Redneck Rooster"

Please, don't get me wrong (you and the other guy who corrected me). Having a few cocks mixed in their flock, physically separated so not to fight each other (which they will do on their own) is not what I was talking about. I was referring to these "farms" that have many, many (I've seen up to a hundred) such hutches, all game cocks, without a hen to be seen. Cock fighting is a dark not-so secret vice in this part of the country. and I really do doubt the people who own these vast herds are really that cautious as to who hands them the cash. After all raising game cocks is not against the law, even if knowingly raising and selling them for such, is may be.

(note emphasis)

Having looked at the feed named, it is listed as "game cock feed", no mention of "fighting" in any packaging or information I've found