Should feed stores etc... even sell chicks????

[mchl]

raising chicks isn't rocket sience.

 

[dretd]

Quote:
Boy, I bet you didn't realize the can of worms you were opening!

 

[wfiles]

I agree with all the comments about children handlig chicks. The 2 stores that I have got my chickens from don't allow children to pick up chicks. I know some do, but is is the same with the kids I have taught in school and currently work with in a library, they haven't been taught anything at home.

That said, I am glad the local feed store does sell chicks because that is the only way have been able to get my chidks. I just can't bring myself to have them shipped. I know it is dumb.

 

[Emilys3guppies]

Quote:
LOL...that's exactly what you're doing...right in the next sentence denying profiling. I'm not upset or anything, it's just amusing.

I carry a Coach bag into my TSC because it's my purse. Don't judge. Last time I went to the TSC was after a Sunday brunch...so I was even in heels! *gasp*

I also think the like is true....people who don't have a pot to pee in who buy chickens likely understand the incredible renewable food resource they are tapping.

 

[dretd]

Quote:
They may have this policy because of local ordinances. Here is one from where I live:
Sec. 4-117. Sale of chickens and ducklings; quantity restricted; keeping of chickens.

(a) Chickens or ducklings younger than eight (8) weeks of age may not be sold in quantities of less than six (6) to a single purchaser.

(b) Except in those zone districts where the keeping of farm animals (as the term is defined in Section 5.1.2 of the Land Use Code) is allowed, the keeping of chicken roosters or more than six (6) chicken hens is prohibited. However, up to six (6) chicken hens may be kept per parcel of property, subject to the following requirements and subject to all other applicable provisions of this Chapter


Everyone ignores (a) because if you already have 3 hens and want add to your flock, you would have to buy 6 chicks then re-home them at 8 weeks to 51 weeks of age to be compliant with the law. Who would do that? Folks just get the 3 chicks they need and be done with it.

This is an example of how a good-intentioned law can have unintended consequences, and is why the discourse of whole thread is so complicated. No easy answer. Can't legislate people's smarts or wisdom.

 

[cackydoodledoo]

We don't have a limit on how many you can have but I agree if they had a minimum purchase it would stop the impulse buyers.

 

[Nambroth]

I guess this wasn't a good place to post my thoughts. I'm sorry! (where's the embarrassed smiley?) Please accept my apologies.

 

[cackydoodledoo]

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There is no need for you to apologize. I read through most all of your post and although it was lengthy, I agree that the almighty dollar controls most everything. That is what bothers me. These stores won't take the little extra effort to educate their employees and animals suffer because of it. I will also say that Big R is our only option here other than a small feed mill and I think our Big R is one of the worst in our state!!!

I would also like to mention that I asked the lady at checkout how many people they had bring back their one lone chick wanting a refund because they thought something was wrong with them. She said it happens daily!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DTRM30]

There is a 6 minimum purchase limit on chicks here as well, but it depends on the store if it is enforced or not. I've bought 2 from a local store even though there is a minimum of 6.

It does deter from impusle buying I think though - but not 100% - because if you have to buy six just to have it in an easter basket - are you really going to do that ?

I do feel badly for those poor little chicks that go to homes where the people don't have a clue and the chicks end up dead in a week. but at the same time, there are many people who give them loving homes. It's really no different than any other animal - some get good homes, other don't. All we can do is try to help those who don't. It may be a better fate than those who don't get sold and end up being put into a giant meat grinder alive to become "chicken by-product" for pet foods. Not sure which would be worse. The truth is, no matter how much you like it, animals are a commodity to be bought and sold for profit for many stores/hatcheries. And those stores are counting on impulse buyers to see a cute cuddly animal that they can't resist - buy it and take it home - so they have to come back and purchase all the supplies to go with it over the life of that animal.

Someone I work with - her sister saw the ducklings in TSC and bought them. She gave two to someone else because she had to buy the minimum - and I KNOW those ducklings aren't going to have a quality life. I did ask - what is she going to do with them when they get bigger ? They can't live in a bathtub their whole life. The answer was she'll probably build a pond in her yard. At least there is hope.

 

[dretd]

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Hey, not sure why you'd say that? This is a great place for your thoughts! And welcome to BYC by the way in case no one has yet! I think your post was a lot to digest, and you said it all so you didn't get a lot of replies!

You are completely right that this is a very complicated issue and there are no easy answers!

Take care, Elissa