R.I. 12 chick law

[Redhead Rae]

The law in RI State is a 12 chick minimum. Has nothing to do with shipping. Classic government overreach and overlegislation.

I would look into getting POL (Point Of Lay) pullets. Can you get around the minimum with that since they aren't "chicks" anymore?

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

The law in RI State is a 12 chick minimum. Has nothing to do with shipping. Classic government overreach and overlegislation.

So does that mean you have to keep at last 12? That makes no sense. Why don't you drive to Massachusetts and buy them there?

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think the reason for these laws/rules (some states have it as laws, and some stores have their own rules as well, so I assume this is a Rhode Island law?) is because people buy chicks as toys, especially at Easter, so this is to try and force people to buy them with a plan instead of just tossing them, since they're cheap. Unfortunately for a backyard keeper, having to get 12 chicks isn't ideal, especially if your town restricts your flock size to less than 12.

So you can try pooling together with neighbors/friends to buy chicks (so like 3 people take 4 each), or raise them all for a few months and then sell the females as point of lay birds, or butcher/sell for butchering excess birds. Some stores might "look the other way" if you can talk them into it.

 

[WindingRoad]

I know in feed stores there is a 12 chick min in Rhode Island but what about small time stuff out of your home? Is there a way to go around this legally?

Are you talking about a min to purchase?

 

[R2elk]

I know in feed stores there is a 12 chick min in Rhode Island but what about small time stuff out of your home? Is there a way to go around this legally?

Sorry that no one has actually answered your question. The answer is no, there is no legal way for you to sell fewer than 12 chicks out of your home.

According to 4-1-8, it clearly states "no person" and does not list any exceptions. In the case where a state makes idiotic regulations, it is the responsibility of the citizens of that state to contact their representatives and demand that the law be changed.

"It is unlawful for any person to dye a chick, duckling, or other live poultry, or to have in his or her possession any chick, duckling, or other live poultry which has been dyed. No person shall sell or offer for sale any live chicks or ducklings under two (2) months of age in quantities of less than twelve (12), and provided further, that no person, firm, corporation or association shall offer live chicks or ducklings under two (2) months of age as a bonus, or as an inducement to the sale of or in conjunction with the purchase of any article. Any person, firm, or corporation violating this section shall for each offense be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-2. No pet store shall sell chicks or ducklings in any quantity."

 

[WindingRoad]

Sorry that no one has actually answered your question. The answer is no, there is no legal way for you to sell fewer than 12 chicks out of your home.

According to 4-1-8, it clearly states "no person" and does not list any exceptions. In the case where a state makes idiotic regulations, it is the responsibility of the citizens of that state to contact their representatives and demand that the law be changed.

"It is unlawful for any person to dye a chick, duckling, or other live poultry, or to have in his or her possession any chick, duckling, or other live poultry which has been dyed. No person shall sell or offer for sale any live chicks or ducklings under two (2) months of age in quantities of less than twelve (12), and provided further, that no person, firm, corporation or association shall offer live chicks or ducklings under two (2) months of age as a bonus, or as an inducement to the sale of or in conjunction with the purchase of any article. Any person, firm, or corporation violating this section shall for each offense be punished in the manner provided in § 4-1-2. No pet store shall sell chicks or ducklings in any quantity."

Does this mean TSC? And you can purchase as few as three chicks now from Cackle and I didn't see any thing about not available in R.I.

 

[R2elk]

Does this mean TSC? And you can purchase as few as three chicks now from Cackle and I didn't see any thing about not available in R.I.

The law appears to apply to sellers in R.I. It does not seem to apply to out of state sources.

 

[Abriana]

If you want say, six chicks, ask someone who is buying twelve+ to purchase six more for you, and then just pay them for the six. Chicken people are friendly, I'm sure they'd be willing to help out!

 

[Doc7]

The law appears to apply to sellers in R.I. It does not seem to apply to out of state sources.

In that case, mail order from your favorite hatchery. I recommend Meyer.