New chick purchasing requirements at retail chain

[GoodDaughter]

I put this post here for maximum exposure because I think it's important. Mods please move as needed, thanks!

For those who purchase chicks and ducklings at Tractor Supply Co/TSC., be aware that there are new requirements in place.

I do not know if this is for *all* TSC stores or only for *some*. I was not able to find information regarding which states are/are not included.

Customers MUST purchase their chicks/ducklings in multiples of 6 ONLY. *This means not 4 or 5 chicks, or even 8 or 10 chicks, but multiples of 6. To the best I am able to determine, this is a corporate policy.

You will also now be required to fill out a simple form that looks like this (I have the form in front of me and am copying directly from it, ver batim);

Chicken Record Keeping Log
Date
Type & Number
Dealer/Drivers License
Name
Phone Number
Address
City
State
Zip

(Please check applicable box regarding disposition of animal)

Sold
Deceased
Stolen
Transferred
Escaped
Custodial Care
Adoption/Give Away
Return to Vendor

Comments _______________________

This is the form, as it reads from top to bottom. There are little boxes for the TSC employee to check off, ie 'sold, deceased etc., as listed above) as to what was done with the chicks/ducklings.

Yes, you WILL be required to show your driver's license at time of purchase. Now, how stringently this will be enforced, I can't say. *As we all know, some employees are diligent, and some are not.

I was told that this form is being required by the 'state'. However, I was not able to access any information regarding whether or not it was imposed on the state by the federal gvmt. or if it is a state-only requirement. I am not able to discover this.

I wanted people to be aware of this policy. I personally told my store mgr. and district mgr. that this would drive off some customers. *It certainly changed my mind about buying my chicks there, and I even get an emp. discount. *Will it drive away enough customers to matter? I guess only time will tell. I will be interested to see what people's reactions are going to be. Our region starts selling chicks March 15.

[MooseToo]

didn't notice a disposition choice of " done et em " -

[GoodDaughter]

No, let me clarify...

Where the boxes are to be checked 'sold, deceased' etc.,. is is the TSC employee who checks them off, not the customer. In other words, if chicks are sold, the employee checks off 'sold'. If they die, they check off 'deceased', if they are donated, that box is checked and etc.

I was a bit confused by that part myself. I thought "how can TSC know what the customer does with them after they buy them?" but I was told no, that the TSC employee fills out that part of the form.

This form is one to be copied on the copy machine, so it's not like it's in triplicate or anything. I was told it was "... in case there is a disease outbreak (?) then the authorities can come in and ask where all the chicks went to".

Just making folks aware.

[liliwhite]

Maybe this year I'll get some broody hens and a rooster......

Although my local feed store knows me and where I live, Im not to keen on being in a state-run database. Especially now that the government seems to throw common sense to the wind at every turn. IMHO.

[GoodDaughter]

Well, again, let me clarify...

I don't know if anything would ever come of this. I don't think these forms are to be turned over to the state to be put into a state-run database. Maybe so, but at this point, I don't think so. I think it is more for the 'just in case' scenario--in case there is a disease outbreak. I don't think these forms are going to be turned over to the state for the state to put into a database. However, I will check that next week to see.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not defending this requirement. I think the disease outbreak problem is minimized at the level of the hatchery---I've been to Ideal Poultry in Cameron myself on several occasions in the past to pick up my poultry order in person, and you just can't walk around anywhere. They have VERY stringent precautions in place to prevent disease from entering the premisis. I would think the vast majority of diseases are prevented at the hatcheries.

I think if avian flu breaks out, it's not going to be at the hatchery level. And as far as rounding up everyone's chickens and turkeys like they've done in China.... you might as well round up the birds of the air too, all the cardinals and blue jays and sparrows. KWIM?

[earl3447]

It is just a way to get every farm animal registrated so the powers that be can keep a closer watch on our food supply. See below:

RESOLUTION TO AMEND OR REPEAL PREMISES REGISTRATION

Whereas, the State of Wisconsin has created a statute granting authority to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) to promulgate rules to register livestock premises; and

Whereas, the DATCP has authority to make participation in the process of premises registration voluntary and assured the legislative body that livestock premise registration would be voluntary; and

Whereas, even though the DATCP has drafted documents stating that participation would be voluntary the Department is mandating compliance by issuing complaints against farmers who chose to not register; and

Whereas, these complaints are now being enforced by the Clark County District Attorney by issuing citations; and

Whereas, forced compliance is viewed as a violation of religious freedom and constitutionally protected property rights; and any law repugnant to the Constitution is null and void pursuant to Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Branch) 137 (1803) a landmark case in united States law; It formed the basis for the exercise of judicial review in the United States under article III of the Constitution.

Now Therefore be it Resolved by the __________, that compliance with the livestock premise registration be repealed or amended, by the Wisconsin Legislature, and that compliance with livestock premise registration shall be strictly voluntary.

[Anon001]

I could be wrong but my understanding is that the feds haven't required those forms on the chicks. I do know that the hatcheries keep very detailed records but as far as the distributors and dealers, in Kansas anyway, it doesn't have to be done. I would think that it is TSC "kissing up" to big brother. lol

By the way, GoodDaughter, how is it going since you and the regional supervisor had your "discussion"?

[GoodDaughter]

Paul, I found out last week that she is resigning her position because of health problems. She has been having chest pains and numbness in her arm and face. I don't wish anyone ill, and I told her a couple of days ago that no job is worth your health or your life. I don't dislike her but I can't honestly say I like her either, but as I don't wish anything bad on anyone, it's good that she is leaving her position. It's just not worth having a heart attack over.

[Anon001]

Maybe things will improve... Good luck.

[Deberosa]

I would have asked if they have to die or be stolen in multiples of 6... ;-)


This rule hit our local feed store a few years back. They lost a ton of business. THe party line was it was a state law that you had to purchase at least 6 chicks. They weren't doing tracking though. They have the bins ready for new chicks - stopped by there today to buy the last bags of feed for the remaining chickens here as they are being sold and soon given away just to be rid of them before leaving.

[mrsbernstein]

Hm, this does seem :(

I purchased my chicks the other day at our local "Southern States". Shoot, they would have sold me ONE! But I bought 8.

No name, no form. NOTHING. Pay and go. I will definitely buy from there when they get their next batch.

Thank you for the heads-up about TSC.

Mrs B

[Suzy]

I have had a lot lot lot more folks coming by here wanting fertilized eggs this year, both for putting under "setting" hens and for putting in incubators...

Also the county extension service is doing a free course called Gardening 101 and they are having HUGE crowds...

maybe folks are beginning to see the light with the economy and the government the way they are going....

[jonvee]

If the form does not have a state doc number or identification I would guess it's just a way to start the farm reg process. And a way for the company to get the feds off their back.

Our 4-H office does this all the time with stuff they want to implement.. say the state is requiring it, but the forms look like a 3rd grader made them.

I know where I WONT be buying my chaicks. Guess I'll have a serious talk with my hens. :D

[harvester]

didn't notice a disposition choice of " done et em " -

hahahhahahasnork!

being really early in the morning for me, not even done with 1/2 cup of coffee yet, i cant think strait. But, what was that livestock tracking thing the gov was putting into effect a couple years back? Sounds alot like that. Cant think of what its called.
What would be interesting would be to order your chicks directly yourself and see if you are required to fill out all this info. If not, your store is pulling your leg and Id simply buy my chicks elsewhere.

[GoodDaughter]

Quote ".... forms look like a third grader made them"

Yep!

About ordering them directly from the hatchery.... yep, I put in a personal order directly from Ideal so I could get some Silkies, and nope, no drivers license number or anything out of the ordinary; it was just the same as it's always been when ordering chicks from them.

Yeah, I agree something is rotten in Denmark...

One of the main reasons I chose Silkies is their reputation for being very broody and readily accepting eggs from other hens. Those are traits that could certainly come in handy in the future if Osama Obama has his way with driving us all to destitution so he can then turn around and try to save us with his 'plans'. He can kiss my big pink backside...

[fancyfowl]

*Silkies are #1 setters. I used them to hatch all my purebred poultry and all the ornamental pheasants. vey reliable, will set a stone till it hatches.

Animal rights people have been trying to disrupt in store chicks sales. That's one reason that some stores have a minimum number. Somehow that is supposed to prevent dead and abused chicks.

[harvester]

stores have a minimum number? well thats new to me too. Hatcheries have a minimum number so they can keep themselves warm on the trip. Ive never been to a store where I was forced to buy anything i didnt want. If i only want one chick, thats what i get. If i found our stores to be any different up here, id not shop at them at all.
As far as silkies go, im planning on getting some myself this year. I found a woman that is chicken poor and has silkies she wants to get rid of. I plan on getting them and just letting nature take its course with the setting and hopefully get some chicks out of it, we need it desperately for grasshopper control. And Silkies are a delicasy as far as eating goes, ever ate one? sooo good!

[fancyfowl]

I dont know if TSC and others still do the minimum on chicks, I never buy my from them, just from what I was told by a clerk once.

No , i dont eat the Silkies, I dont like the looks of fibromelinin on my plate!! I have had Asians here who do want them for the table and any black feathered birds I have. They think the black skinned cattle and fowl are better.

[harvester]

Yes it can take some getting used to seeing black chicken on your plate. There are alot of yucky looking things that people eat and quite enjoy, caviar, escargo, etc...Sometimes a delicasy looks or sounds strange, but on my property, on my farm rules, you work here or you leave, and ideally you do a double job here. I will choose animals that can perform a double duty over those that can perform only one duty. i.e. dairy goats bred to meat goats-milk and meat, cheese, butter, icecream etc...
Speckled sussex chickens- meat, eggs, excellent bug killers..
Silkie chickens- excellent bug killers, prolific breeders, I dont have to run my incubator or brooder, meat that tastes like grouse, I like grouse.
Ive been really really hungry at times in my life and ive gotten past caring what my food looks like. Its edible, it tasts good, its organic, it will keep you alive. I have alot of food producing animals on my property, as well as other grown foods. But truly food isnt much of an issue, its merely something one has to have to survive. If i have the ability and the luck to have the better tasting food, ima do it. And im going to promote it to family and friends and neighbors..Times are a commin people!

[fancyfowl]

of course you are right . I have eaten some strange stuff in my time, mostly just one time !! I could and would eat what I had to for survival but I am a beef eater, family of butchers on one side. I know people who eat their surplus peafowl, I dont do that either. There are things I will not eat. I have seen people overseas eat anything to include rats, snakes and bugs. But then they ate our garbage too.

[cinok]

We bought pulletts at a TSC here in OK and had to buy in lots of six, we were told that it was a state reg, we didnt have to show ID but we did use our tax #. We bought 12 so it was no big deal that was almost 3 weeks ago. So far we have only lost one Think it was the weakling

[harvester]

We bought pulletts at a TSC here in OK and had to buy in lots of six, we were told that it was a state reg, we didnt have to show ID but we did use our tax #. We bought 12 so it was no big deal that was almost 3 weeks ago. So far we have only lost one Think it was the weakling

im absolutely apalled by this. My lord, are they going to start keeping track of the loaves of bread you buy too? Honestly i would seriously look into the state laws for this and make sure its not just a sales tactic for the stores. It sounds outrageous.

[fancyfowl]

I think the PETA types caused a ruckus at one time re: purchasing 1-2 chicks. I dont recall the whole deal.

[lost1]

WELCOME TO NAIS, It's gonna get worse!!

[Thyme]

The TSC in this area has a requirement of a minimum of 25 chicks. You can buy 5 of one kind & 5 of a different kind as long as total purchased adds up to the 25. For turkeys its a min. of 6. Thats why we went to Rural King no min.& cheaper per bird. Both stores chicks are coming from Mt. Healthy hatchery in Cincinnati Ohio.

[onelook]

I know our local Rural King and TSC both have a 25 chick minimum purchase. One thought that I have is that a lot of ignorant people buy one or two for their kids for Easter, thinking how cute they are and of course have no idea how to properly tend to one...Probably PETA or ASPCA or some organization similar stepped in with the 25 chick minimum to stop the 'Easter Chick' issue. While I agree that ignorant people need to think before whipping out the plastic, it is a hinderance to us 'Normal' country folk.

[fancyfowl]

Silliness isnt it! When I was a kid you could buy colored chicks for easter, they were usually white leghorn cockerels. The nincompoops had to end that. Some chicks were just dipped in a water with dye as they hatched. Some are colored while still in the shell before hatch.

[mtwildflower]

So, what if you don't have a driver's license?

Some people don't, you know.

[lost1]

You folks need to go to NoNAIS.org and look around, might give you something to think about.
NoNAIS.org

[WileyCoyote]

Weird.
We are so far out in the boonies that they sell chickens, ducks, pheasant and quail chicks in the feed and seed. No minimum purchase, no checking ID, nothing. Come in, buy what you want, take it home. They do recommend their starter products, and have them all on sale right now, 25% off. That's the only advisements we got while we were there.

I went with an online company nearby (two states away) because I wanted Barred Rocks, not the mix the local feed and seeds offered; plus I wanted them sexed (Roosters to kill, hens to lay). They are on backorder and it is cooold here right now anyway - had a whopping 16 inches of snow this past weekend - but I'll get 20 come the first week of May. The seller didn't have a minimum number either.

Of course PETA wouldn't last long here in cattle country, where dogs and horses are work animals! Day before yesterday the horse was festooned with ice, even though she was in the barn all night, the blizzard got to her. She was pissed.

Maybe the closer you are to the Right or Left Coast, or to a large metropolis with enforcement capabilities, things are more stringent?