This is so sad...

[Fostermom27610]

I hatched eggs in my classroom a few weeks back. I kept the chicks in the classroom for two weeks, then the students with permission were able to adopt them. I screened the families, spoke with parents, and tried as hard as I could to be absolutely sure the chicks were going to good homes. (I had a backup plan for any that wouldn't be adopted...)... 

I had strong reservations about one of the families because of some stories that I had heard. I spoke with the mom, who PROMISED that the chick would be very well taken care of. They were going to keep it at their house inside for a week, then it was actually going to a family friend who keeps chickens... 

The students came back from spring break today, and the student I was worried about came to me and informed me that the chick lived for ONE DAY when he took it home, because his dad got annoyed at the cheeping and tossed it outside, where it was promptly eaten by the family dog.

I'm SOOO upset. I made that mom PROMISE me that she would make sure it stayed safe in the box where it was warm with the heat lamp, and no little hands would handle it unsupervised. ... UGH!!! 

I may never let students adopt chicks again. 

I did have two families that adopted two each that have built coops in their backyard and spoiled the new chickies rotten... I'm going to have to focus on the happy happy homes and the newbie chicken families to keep from being completely turned off of doing this again... 

 

[LiveVintage]

"just a chick".... Attitudes like that are a painful reminder of what is wrong in our society.
What's done is done. You did what you could now focus on the loved babies, sounds like they are going to be good and spoiled.

 

[Fostermom27610]

Have you contact your local Dept of Health and Human Services (DSS) yet, or contact your local authorities for cruelty to animals?

 

[owennreedsmama]

That is so sad. I'm sorry!

 

[DelcoChix]

How awful for the little chick...but how much worse for that poor child? To be brought up with such disregard for life...first a chick (not that I'd imagine that's the first)..then what, the kitten meows...the baby cries? Seems like your gut instinct was spot on...but can you show this kid that that is not the way it is supposed to be?
Heartbreaking...imagine having to live in that house?

 

[foxmfan1]

OMG, that is a horrible thing to happen, you might have some legal backup, that is considered "animal cruelty", and if you call your local animal control office. You can report that family and let animal control take over. You need to call your animal control office as soon as you can, even if they can't "prove" a case, I am certain you will put a scare into that man. That is sad : (

 

[Partyfowl]

Omg. I am so sorry. One can only imagine how this man treats his family. Disgusting.

 

[Mtn Laurel]

While what went on with the chick was horrific and sad, I'm really concerned about the child. Please keep an eye on him. I hope he's safe at home and isn't being subjected to the same cruelty as that poor chick.

 

[foxmfan1]

ok replying to my own post, but I really think you need to call your local animal control service. There are laws, that were broken, if you call them and have them and open a case, it would really, make a case, for your stance. That way future parents, know not to mess with you : )
And don't be too discouraged, you did a good thing, all your other chicks are doing good, Just take this as a learning experince. I'd really look into making a "contract" for the next batch of chicks you adopt out. : )

 

[milola]

DelcoChix feels like I do. Sad for the chick but that poor child must have been devastated and so humiliated by his dad's actions. I would definitely be trying to let him know it wasn't his fault and making sure he knows how to treat other living things