The state of NJ is trying to outlaw the selling/bartering/or giving away of any chicks under 2 months of age. Check out this bit of legislative hide and seek couched within the animal restraints in vehicles bill:
Prohibits:
q. Sell or offer for sale, barter, or give away living rabbits, turtles, baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl under two months of age, for use as household or domestic pets;
r. Sell, offer for sale, barter or give away living baby chicks, ducklings or other fowl, or rabbits, turtles or chameleons under two months of age for any purpose not prohibited by subsection q. of this section and who shall fail to provide proper facilities for the care of such animals;
Here is the actual bill:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2012/Bills/A3500/3221_I1.HTM
The synopsis says:
"Establishes requirements for pet restraints in passenger automobiles for dogs and cats; establishes failure to comply with requirements as a motor vehicle offense and an animal cruelty offense."
Hmm, would one even think to read on, way into the document, to see that they are trying to prohibit chick transfer? I suppose that they can still be sold/bartered/given away as livestock, but you would think that might be a bit more cruel since most livstock ends up on a dinner plate or in dog food or as a battery hen. Geesh.
If you know of anyone in NJ have them call/write their reps.