Kirby Thread *NEW PICTURE 7/11

[Ms. Cluckingly]

Oh look at him!! What a handsome man you got there!! I love that you have pictures of him through the weeks so you can see how much he's grown.

 

[AmberH]

I guess you are a member here. lol This is Zagari from VP. Great to see you around.

 

[Laurajean]

I know the posted controversy about Kirby are old posts, but I still feel it's important to say this, in case people are reading the older posts and getting worked up.

I am an avid and active animals rights activist, and the post reactions here shocks even me. Some of you are blaming the person here, not the industry. Every Easter Farm Sanctuary (just one example) rescues tons of unwanted dyed chicks. The concept of dying chickens has nothing to do with their health, it's perfectly safe. The problem comes when random kids in the store with their parents to get dog food sees the bright chicks and does the "Mommy, please!" routine, and Mommy folds and brings home a chick that no one knows how to properly care for. I am not a fan of dyed chicks for this reason.

HOWEVER: What we WANT is loving people like Kirby's owner who DO want to raise chicks, and who are not being frivolous. This person is on a chicken lover's message board, showing off their baby. This isn't a bored child who is neglecting the chick once the thrill wears off. This person is being horribly misjudged and this is coming straight from an animal activist! I do wish there were no dyed chicks, because I hate the thought of abandoned animals due to marketing ploys, but I personally volunteer and care for these types of chicks at the sanctuary, and what we PRAY for are people like Kirby's owner, who despite the cute color, still love and value the chick regardless.

And now time has passed, and Kirby is happy and healthy, and suddenly now people will jump on board and offer support. But please: If you are against dyed chicks (as I am), then go to the stores that sell them and speak your mind. But do not blame the innocent people who adopt and love them and give them a permanent home.

Peace.

(Would have commented sooner, but I'm a new member of this site)

 

[Avla]

Hey Zag.

Thanks everyone for the friendly comments.

 

[SkyWarrior]

LOL, Kirby is adorable!

I was looking at all the photos -- he has a very good owner!

 

[Avla]

Thank you.

He's an official free range chicken, and he loves it!

Last night was the first time he slept outside of the coop (although it was only for a short period), and he roosted on top of tree in front of the hens. (You can see Rosie in the background). We leave the coop open so they can go in and out as they please.
He's 6 weeks old today.

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Aw Kirby is so big now. He sure is growing up to be a handsome rooster!!!

 

[St-Hubert]

New to chickens myself....we have three that are a little over two months old (and out in the coop/run) and two that are a little over a month old still in the brooder. We've enjoyed watching the fuzz turn to feathers....and seeing how much dye is still on Kirby after this long a time is kinda neat! I didn't realize that the original "fuzz" stayed around so long!

 

[StormyMoon]

I love reading about Kirby, keep up the good work and keep us posted

I love looking at the pictures

 

[PhilErvin]

Quote:
I wouldn't be too sure about him NOT "attacking people or other animals". When a rooster is raised to be comfortable around people and other animals I have found them to be more brave once his instincts kick in and he has a flock to protect. My Rooster does not fear me and his instinct to protect his girls is stronger that his love for me. He attacks me quite often. I just reach down and pick him up and carry him around for a while, when I put him down he walks off and leaves me alone.
Kirby is the coolest!! Good for you!!