Omg!! Such Stupid People One Meets!!

[SpeedysBigRed]

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From many of the posts I have read on here I totally agree and have to think that many here started out just as "stupid" as that woman at TSC, have lost chicks because of ignorance, and will likely lose more. Instead of "stoning" the woman, give her a break. She might have ended up on here, become educated, and gone on to be an educated poultry owner.

 

[mclevinson]

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OMGosh there is a term for it! I'm croaking from laughter and dismay!

 

[catchthewind]

We knew we were getting chickens, so I'd done a ton of research. But I'll be honest, we went to a poultry swap and I got taken in by the cute chicks and bought some. We had to buy all the equipment for a brooder on the way home. However, that being said, we did know what we were getting into and had already done a lot of research and were planning on getting some in a few weeks anyway. Unfortunately the weather hasn't cooperated at all and it's taken longer to get our coop built, so I have 9 week old still inside, but I do try and get them outside for a few hours or more every afternoon unless it's pouring (which it has been a lot).

I think there's a difference between getting your child a pet because the child wants it and you want to appease them with no intention of caring for the pet once the kid is done with it, and getting your child a pet with the full knowledge that the child may become bored of said pet very quickly and you have to be prepared to take over it's care (or depending on the kid's age, you may be doing full time care from the beginning). We got my daughter a kitten right before she turned three because she wanted one, but it wasn't a split decision made because of a tantrum in a store. We discussed it and talked it over for months beforehand. She was actually pretty terrible with him at first (not on purpose, just constantly wanting to hold him, carry him, pet him, etc regardless of whether he wanted her too), so we had to be on top of her every second to make sure he wasn't hurt or even uncomfortable. We were fully aware that she could become bored with him at any time, and we took over full care of him right from the beginning. We all adore that cat and I think my daughter learned a lot about empathy and compassion towards animals through him.

Anyway, my point is that sometimes it is okay to "indulge" kids a bit, as long as you're fully prepared for their changing whims. When we make decisions about things like that for our kids, we always ask if we are prepared ourselves to have that pet (or whatever it is) if it wasn't for her. My daughter adores ducks, they are her favourite animal by far. I'd like a couple of ducks anyway because I hate slugs, and I think some ducks would be fun. We'll likely end up with a pair of ducks, but not until after our coop is done and we're a bit more comfortable with our chicks. I'm sure I've asked some stupid questions, but I appreciate the helpfulness of people here. Personally, I think just by belonging to a forum like this and being willing to ask questions (stupid or not), people are one step ahead. At least they (we) are trying to learn even if our circumstances didn't start out ideally.

On the other hand, this lady obviously has a very callous and uncaring attitude towards other living creatures. Makes me so sad. I volunteered at the SPCA and we had a bunny turned in because it wouldn't eat carrots. Her kids had seen bunnies eating carrots on TV and only wanted one who would do the same. She had the nerve to ask if there were any bunnies at the shelter who would eat carrots, as if the shelter would even consider adopting one out to her.

 

[mclevinson]

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Maybe you could make up a chick basics "cheat sheet" and offer it to the store...kinda depends on your approach, their attitude, phase of the moon...

 

[mchl]

I guess im one of those stupid people, 5 years ago My 4 year old daughter wanted chicks, from orcshlins farm and home. country boy that i am had no idea what i set myself up we would get a few cornish cross they would be done growing in no time. daughter helped feed done the research baught 50 birds (mistake)lol... i lost one bird the first time and 3 more in five years so not to bad for some one chicken illiterate. fortunately i asked lots of questions and eventually found byc. I guess what im getting at is instead of being snipity, if that was the case, maybe we all should encourage and refer to byc. just my thoughts. thanks for the education.

 

[canada-goose]

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Maybe you could make up a chick basics "cheat sheet" and offer it to the store...kinda depends on your approach, their attitude, phase of the moon...

Good idea. I'm not great at talking to strangers, so putting together some information ahead of time could be a great way to help people.

Thank you!

 

[Jackie B.]

Read my blog. I hope others will read it too. I hate Easter time!!!!

http://www.carolinafarmstewards.org/blog/?p=1092

-Jackie

 

[f8thnjc]

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[NYREDS]

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Wow, I thought this but didn't have the nerve to say it. Kudos!

 

[Noncentzter]

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This is from a male...Rule 6 - that word should be Flagrant, but I realize Rule 5 precedes it....