Yup, I'm here for part 2. Holidays are simply not a good time for animals.
Like bunnies, baby chicks are a popular gift for Easter, though, just like bunnies, they shouldn't be. Tonight's Fireside Chat (7pm EDT) will focus on the content shared here in this blog. Join me live and share your thoughts or ask questions.
Why baby chicks are not gifts:
They are sentient beings who require special care, their value is not gone the moment a child is bored with taking care of them
They require special housing, food, and veterinary care. Some towns and cities do not permit chickens to be kept in a backyard, even if in a coop.
Chickens are flock animals, raising a chick on their own can cause emotional distress
We hear so much about how cute chicks are, what happens when the chick has grown and is no longer considered cute by the family?
Many chicks are left at poultry farms once they have grown up and the family who took them in no longer wants them. People may think they are safe there but they in fact are likely euthanized as the risk of bringing disease into a flock being raised for food (and thereby a commodity to the farmer) is much too high.
Speaking of disease, chicks can carry salmonella, those handling chicks are at risk of contracting it.
Chicks are small and delicate, even well-meaning children can squeeze too hard or accidentally drop the baby.
What can you gift your children instead?
Vegan candies in the shape of chicks
Stuffed chicks
Plan a trip to your local farmed animal sanctuary, let your kids meet chickens who are living their best life, properly cared for and able to be the truest versions of themselves
Why did I mention lambs in the title? Do people gift those too?
Not that I can tell but lambs are a focus of many Easter meals, especially their legs, or "chops." Lambs are on average 10 weeks old when sent to slaughter, though the average life expectancy of a sheep is 10-12 years. Sheep are mammals so, like cows (and humans) they only produce milk because they have had a baby and they form strong bonds with those babies. It is often assumed that sheep are not as mistreated as other animals raised for food because the image of sheep most people conjure up is a flock on a grassy knoll, free to roam and play. All animals raised for food are exploited and harmed from birth through slaughter (for example: practices like tail docking and castration without anesthesia.)
We do not need to gift or eat animals to celebrate the holidays. Tune in tonight at 7pm and share your thoughts then come back here tomorrow, I'll share some great vegan recipes you can make to create a kinder celebration.
I agree that we do not need to give gifts to celebrate holidays.
This was a refreshing perspective. when people eat lambchops, I’m sure they’d be appalled at the thought of how they got there. It’s one reason among many that I don’t eat them.
all animals are work and a big responsibility, aren’t they?
your picture is cute, and I’m pinning your post.
God bless!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Great post and reminder. I know so many people who thought it would be "cute" to get their kid a bunny for Easter but then ended up re homing or returning it to the store a few month later. You need to make sure they are mature enough to take care of a pet. Thanks again, and happy Easter.
Thank you for the reminder that we need to take better care of our animal friends. Yes, they are not toys for children. Unless the kids are taught to care for the animals and adults model excellent animal caring skills, there are definitely better gifts for kids at Easter. And (changing subjects abruptly), I am looking forward to the vegan recipes!