Photos

Peepers go pastel, just in time for Easter

Charleston Gazette photo by Anna Patrick Paradise Pets, at 164 New River Town Center, in Beckley, is selling dyed chicks in colors of orange, pink and green. The chicks cost $5 each.
Charleston Gazette photo by Anna Patrick
Paradise Pets, at 164 New River Town Center, in Beckley, is selling dyed chicks in colors of orange, pink and green. The chicks cost $5 each.

BECKLEY, W.Va. — Paradise Pets’ employees are used to hearing people gush over animals, but with the Easter holiday nearing, cries over cuteness have reached a new level.

“Mommy, look!” exclaimed Brooklyn Williams.

With a quick gasp, her mom, Melissa, responded, “Oh my God! Easter chickens!”

The pair pressed close to the nearest glass container holding more than 30 chicks dyed in colors of pink, green and orange. The pair examined the four glass containers — located strategically at the front of the store — which alternated with dyed week-old chicks and non-dyed, 2-week-old ducklings.

The baby animals arrived Saturday — like they do every year — to meet the Beckley pet shop’s annual Easter demand. The supply of rabbits also has increased as the store’s sales have shown that more people are likely to purchase the hopping and chirping animals, often associated with spring, in the weeks leading up to Easter.

“We’ve had them every year,” said co-owner Bekki Collins, referring to the sale of chicks and ducklings. “We usually sell out. We’ve sold out over the last three years. We normally do 125 ducks and a 150 chickens.”

The practice of dyeing chicks colors might make the small creatures more “cute,” but it is not without its controversy.

“The Humane Society of the United State does not condone dyeing chicks, under any circumstances…

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