RANT: Tractor Supply won't sell less than six chicks!!!

[Tikkijane]

Actually you are lucky with a six chick minimum. I understand the rule. It prevents people from buying just one as an Easter present and then it not being taken care of. Here in the town I'm at TSC will not sell chicks because the ordinance is a minimum of 30 chicks per person. Yes the MINIMUM is 30 per sale here. 6 at a time is totally reasonable in my eyes. This is in Oswego NY.

I agree. When we lived in town and our space was limited, it would have been nice to have had the option to add just 2 or 3. I was thinking they could keep a master list or something so they'd know who was adding to existing flock or not. Anyhow. I think it's good. I have been in there and actually seen people trying to buy one or two for their grandkids; having absolutely zero idea of what they are or need to be doing.

 

[SoNNeR79]

Actually you are lucky with a six chick minimum. I understand the rule. It prevents people from buying just one as an Easter present and then it not being taken care of. Here in the town I'm at TSC will not sell chicks because the ordinance is a minimum of 30 chicks per person. Yes the MINIMUM is 30 per sale here. 6 at a time is totally reasonable in my eyes. This is in Oswego NY.

Not too far at the baldwinsville tsc its a 6 minimum. Also we were at runnings last night and they also have a 6 chick minimum but had a great selection of bird breeds in stock. So frustrated we bought from tsc but the kids saw the chicks and it was hard to say no to their faces

 

[rooster58]

Not too far at the baldwinsville tsc its a 6 minimum. Also we were at runnings last night and they also have a 6 chick minimum but had a great selection of bird breeds in stock. So frustrated we bought from tsc but the kids saw the chicks and it was hard to say no to their faces

I'm not really in need of chicks right now. I bought a few eggs to go along with a few of my own to hatch. They are hatching as we speak. I had a broody that hatched 4 last week and I have another broody that is due to hatch her eggs next week. I'm gonna have more babies than I know what to do with. Lol

 

[GrandmaD]

We are in Florida and the same "6 Minimum" for chicks is in place here too. I suspect it is to prevent those who think that a baby chick makes a good Easter gift from buying just 1 or 2 for their kids or grandkids.

 

[Flipandflop]

Ok, I am seething mad right now.

I went to TSC today to buy two new chicks. I already have four full grown chickens, and although we are expanding our run this weekend by about 5 times it's original size, my husband wants me to limit the new chickens to two or three this year, and maybe we can get a couple more next year. He wants to keep our flock small.

Well, when I get there and request two chicks, they ( there were three employees ) tell me I have to buy six! I told them last year I bought two from them, one died, came back the next day and bought one, and no one said boo about it. They said that person didn't know what they were doing- I said "both of the employees? And the cashier who checked me out?"

I ask "why? What sense does this make?" Then they said it was just store policy. No exceptions. I asked if there was someone higher up or someone I could call about this because that it is absolutely ridiculous!! Lots of people have flocks of two or three birds, and many people just don't have room for any more than that!

They said it's not really TSC's fault and there's nothing they can do because it's actually the Dept. of Agriculture that's cracking down and mandating a six chick purchase minimum. Who is the government to tell me how few or many chickens I have to buy???

I've looked online and haven't been able to find this regulation. Also, Mypetchicken.com will sell me 4 chicks (though I'll spend a fortune on shipping and have to wait a few months), so if this regulation is real, how are they getting away with it? I think TS is B-Sing me.

I'm going to write them an email demanding an explanation, but I need to cool down a little first... In the meantime I'm going to get with a friend of ours and see if he will take the extra chicks if I break down and buy the half dozen...

Thanks for listening to my rant, and any info on this policy would be much appreciated!!

I tried to buy one chick cause I have babies already but there was one chick I wanted to put with my chicks same age but they wouldn't sell it to me I was so mad

 

[joydix]

I tried to buy one chick cause I have babies already but there was one chick I wanted to put with my chicks same age but they wouldn't sell it to me I was so mad

I have had same problem. Used to be 4 then 5 now 6,! And yes they say it’s a regulation. Funny….cuz I can go to two other feed stores same county and get 2. I understand not wanting to sell ONE for the baby’s sake but 6? On the other hand I have only bought from them twice and most died. I have purchased many times from other feed stores over 9 years and never lost a baby chick from any of them. First off the release them as soon as they arrive w/o letting them settle after a long journey, second both times I went there NO water!!

 

[Iluveggers]

I know that NY has a state law, 6 chick minimum. My friend bought 6 from TSC about 2 weeks ago, and now with chicken math wants 2 more (the batch she bought from has same breeds still there, same age). I told her she might be able to bring her receipt, and ask to “return” & rebuy with two more since it was so short a time. She didn’t want to bother with the hassle. Wondering if that would work if it was a short time that went by.

 

[hookie]

The reason there's a limit is because of how many people come in wanting just a cute chick or so for Easter, not knowing anything of how to properly care for it and not really caring either.

Sorry but I myself have had someone call up asking for chicks from me who wasn't even aware that chicks needed an environment of over 70 degrees. As in, no heat lamp, no mother hen.

I'm pretty darn sure you have other options though - They're called breeders.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Both times I bought chicks last year, the minimum was just 4.

 

[Iluveggers]

Both times I bought chicks last year, the minimum was just 4.

Must be your state minimum? Or maybe TSC has a policy of min 4 unless the state has a bigger minimum…