I don't mean to rain on anyone's parade, but unfortunately Farm Animals are regulated under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) only when used in biomedical research, testing, teaching and exhibition. Farm animals used for food and fiber or for food and fiber research are not regulated under the AWA. (From the USDA website).
There may be local ordinances that regulate poultry and you would need to look up that information in your municipality. For instance where I am from there is a distinction between hens that are pets (gotta treat them well, humane society will intervene) and hens that are farm animals (exempt from ordinances).
I would probably, if it were me, talk to the retailer (hopefully there is a store manager over the head of the one you talked to) and explain that the way they set the light and the manager's response is a poor business practice. It makes you the consumer and potential buyer unhappy. If the chicks are cold, they will get stressed and more likely succumb to diseases and if they are not eating and drinking well they may die, too. If they die, they will have a loss they will have to write off and if they die after you take them home he has sold you poorly cared for chicks. You can also point out that if they don't care about the chicks then they must not care about other things they sell and don't care about you as a consumer.
Or, like gumbii said, you could just reposition the light without telling them. Gumbii has gumption! You're my hero.
There may be local ordinances that regulate poultry and you would need to look up that information in your municipality. For instance where I am from there is a distinction between hens that are pets (gotta treat them well, humane society will intervene) and hens that are farm animals (exempt from ordinances).
I would probably, if it were me, talk to the retailer (hopefully there is a store manager over the head of the one you talked to) and explain that the way they set the light and the manager's response is a poor business practice. It makes you the consumer and potential buyer unhappy. If the chicks are cold, they will get stressed and more likely succumb to diseases and if they are not eating and drinking well they may die, too. If they die, they will have a loss they will have to write off and if they die after you take them home he has sold you poorly cared for chicks. You can also point out that if they don't care about the chicks then they must not care about other things they sell and don't care about you as a consumer.
Or, like gumbii said, you could just reposition the light without telling them. Gumbii has gumption! You're my hero.
