I think this was actually discussed on that “Chicken Whisperer” thread a few days ago…hopefully, the parents of these kids will be making smart, informed decisions on whether they can actually provide proper care for the little birdies. On another note, the top two photos just reinforce my belief that no matter what kind of animal you’re talking about, they’re all adorable when they’re babies! (Which is kind of what worries me– they’re little & cute right now, but they won’t be for long…that’ll be when their care gets more demanding, and then– who knows?)
I appreciate the concern for the baby chicks. However, I was a volunteer for the event & spoke with many of the folks who were adopting the babies. The event was very well publicised & many of the folks had everything ready to go at home including a coop & a run which these little guys will not need for several weeks. Also, many of the folks already had chickens at home & were adding to their feathery family.
It was a wonderful event & it was fantastic to see all the happy faces including those of the children. Why, we even had some of Decatur’s finest stop by & take 5 babies home. There were many experts on hand for advice including local avian vets as well as suppliers with coops & brooders on hand for the new chicken families to take home. I did not see anyone take the decision lightly to bring their new friends home & many were very well prepared.
I have some concerns, too. I have looked into it and the startup/ongoing care is no small thing. My family is on a budget and can’t afford the expense of caring for even a small flock. Eggs would not offset the expense for us even assuming the $4-$6/doz we currently pay for local farm fresh eggs. I do assume the best of the people who went home with chicks and have confidence that the sponsoring organization knew what they were doing when they planned the giveaway. Best of luck to the new chicken families!
If this event were held at Easter by an unknown organization, I might have greater concern that the chicks were just going to be treated as toys. But I believe the people involved knew how to handle things to ensure the people didn’t view these chicks as deposable.
As an owner of 4 backyard chickens, they definately do pay for themselves over time. $18 buys 50lbs of feed, which lasts 6 weeks and generates approximately 6 dozen eggs, which I would have otherwise paid $4 a dozen for at the store. However, that doesn’t include the cost of the coop, and obviously the math would change if you otherwise buy standard battery cage eggs.
I don’t really get this, maybe someone can explain.
Are these chickens supposed to be pets for children?
Did the people who got these baby chicks really have the facilities to take care of them?
What are the chances that these chicks will live past next week?
How humane is that anyway? I guess it beats a chicken house, but still concerned.
Concern for these chicks on my part too. Very casual placement of innocent and vulnerable birds into unknown conditions…
Yes. I looked into getting some last year but decided it was too much work and preparation for me. Hmmmm.
Anyone?
I think this was actually discussed on that “Chicken Whisperer” thread a few days ago…hopefully, the parents of these kids will be making smart, informed decisions on whether they can actually provide proper care for the little birdies. On another note, the top two photos just reinforce my belief that no matter what kind of animal you’re talking about, they’re all adorable when they’re babies! (Which is kind of what worries me– they’re little & cute right now, but they won’t be for long…that’ll be when their care gets more demanding, and then– who knows?)
I appreciate the concern for the baby chicks. However, I was a volunteer for the event & spoke with many of the folks who were adopting the babies. The event was very well publicised & many of the folks had everything ready to go at home including a coop & a run which these little guys will not need for several weeks. Also, many of the folks already had chickens at home & were adding to their feathery family.
It was a wonderful event & it was fantastic to see all the happy faces including those of the children. Why, we even had some of Decatur’s finest stop by & take 5 babies home. There were many experts on hand for advice including local avian vets as well as suppliers with coops & brooders on hand for the new chicken families to take home. I did not see anyone take the decision lightly to bring their new friends home & many were very well prepared.
I have some concerns, too. I have looked into it and the startup/ongoing care is no small thing. My family is on a budget and can’t afford the expense of caring for even a small flock. Eggs would not offset the expense for us even assuming the $4-$6/doz we currently pay for local farm fresh eggs. I do assume the best of the people who went home with chicks and have confidence that the sponsoring organization knew what they were doing when they planned the giveaway. Best of luck to the new chicken families!
If this event were held at Easter by an unknown organization, I might have greater concern that the chicks were just going to be treated as toys. But I believe the people involved knew how to handle things to ensure the people didn’t view these chicks as deposable.
As an owner of 4 backyard chickens, they definately do pay for themselves over time. $18 buys 50lbs of feed, which lasts 6 weeks and generates approximately 6 dozen eggs, which I would have otherwise paid $4 a dozen for at the store. However, that doesn’t include the cost of the coop, and obviously the math would change if you otherwise buy standard battery cage eggs.