WWW.CLEMSON.EDU/PSAMEDIA

DATE:    4/5/01     
WRITER:  Dr. Glenn Birrenkott, (864) 656-4019
EDITOR:  Giles Singleton, (864) 656-3876

Where did those fluffy, dyed Easter chicks go? 

     CLEMSON -- People have traditionally associated spring and 
the Easter seasons with chicks, ducklings and bunnies. Not many 
years ago, thousands of baby chicks were sold the week before Easter 
in variety stores and feed stores.
     In recent years, this practice has changed. Laws have been 
passed that prohibit the dyeing or sale of individual chicks. The 
laws of South Carolina are very specific: no sales of chicks in lots 
of less than 25 and no dyeing of baby chicks.
     These laws were passed to prevent the flood of chicks and
ducklings going to animal shelters a few weeks after Easter Sunday.
     At this point in their development, the chicks began to get 
new, usually white; feathers and so lost their 'toy' appeal and 
were discarded. Any coloring of the down of baby chicks is temporary.
New feathers appear within weeks.
     Another intent of the legislation was to get away from the 
idea that chicks, bunnies or ducklings are playthings or toys. Many 
of these young animals suffered from physical trauma as young 
children played with them, not realizing that they are much more
fragile than the plastic and metal toys they are used to handling.
     Also, most households are not set up to provide the correct
environment for baby chicks. It is important that chicks are kept 
warm, free of drafts and that they are provided with a complete 
diet and ready access to clean water.
     So, the best way to celebrate spring and the Easter season is 
to not buy illegal pets. For this spring, how about getting marshmallow
baby chicks? 
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     If you have gardening questions, write to PSA Media Relations,
A-101 Poole Agricultural Center, Clemson University, Clemson, S.C.
29634-0129. You might also want to check our website at: 
http://www.clemson.edu/psamedia.
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