FAUX CHICKS ARE AS ADORABLE AS THE REAL THING (AND SAFER)!!
Every Easter, we inevitably receive requests from clients to include baby chicks, ducks, and bunnies in our Spring Special. There are many reasons that we decline to do this. Yes, precious children and baby animals are so cute together and the experience is entertaining to the children. We are aware that other photographers condone and participate in this practice. However, here at Nichols Photography, we feel it’s just too risky for both the children and the animals. Additionally, we do not wish to profit in any way from the exploitation of animals.
Please consider this a Public Service Announcement:
• *** Chicks and ducks can carry the bacteria Salmonella (even when they appear clean and healthy). The Centers for Disease Control issued a warning in 2007 about the dangers of obtaining or handling baby chicks for Easter. Many people are simply not aware of the risks of contracting Salmonella from chicks or ducklings. The CDC recommends that children less than five years of age not be allowed to handle chicks or other baby poultry. “Hand to mouth” is the primary transference of the illness and is an automatic, involuntary action of children. No adult is quick enough to intervene every time this movement occurs.
• Children are most susceptible to infection because their immune systems are still developing.
• Animals have a need to eliminate waste. Unfortunately, children can be on the receiving end of this natural function.
• Animals bite and scratch.
• Bunnies and lambs, since they are mammals, are regulated by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture and the Animal Welfare Act. It is illegal to use these animals to promote photographs.
• Animals can be unintentionally harmed or killed by children who squeeze too hard. Vulnerable baby chicks and ducks aren’t meant to be cuddled, and small children who squeeze them can easily break their fragile bones.
• Small animals that are subjected to the stress of new surroundings, unfamiliar sounds, and excessive handling are exceedingly prone to stress-induced heart failure.
• Following animal sessions, children are likely to plead with their parents to buy them one of these animals as a “pet,” especially when there are nearby stores that are eager to accommodate them. According to Humane Society statistics, the vast majority of these animals bought at Easter, die within weeks.
A word from our resident nurse:
If you do opt for photos with poultry, whether in a studio or at home, thorough hand washing cannot be overemphasized. It is the single most important thing you can do! If anyone touches chicks or ducklings or their environment, make sure that they wash their hands immediately afterwards. Pacifiers, toys, bottles or other objects should not touch the baby birds or their surroundings. If these objects do become contaminated, wash them with warm soapy water. Do not allow anyone to eat or drink while interacting with the birds.
~ V. Nichols R.N.
We hope that this information helps to keep your family safe and healthy this Spring season. Happy Easter from all of us here at Nichols Photography!
Halloween is just around the corner and its arrival brings fun parties, trick-or-treaters, and lots of delicious candies. However, this entertaining holiday can be potentially hazardous to pets. The ASPCA offers these helpful hints so pet parents can keep their loved ones healthy and safe during Halloween:
Nichols Photography set up overnight camp once again at the Edwardsville High School location for Relay for Life. Unfortunately, this year's rain forced all "walkers/campers" into the gym but everyone seemed to weather the last minute alteration without difficulty. It actually made the event more cozy and intimate. Our studio sponsored the mouse races which were a big hit with the kids and we raffled off a stunning gift basket that raised cash for the cause against cancer. Complimentary on-site portraits were once again given to cancer survivors and their caregivers. Several of our own family members have been stricken with forms of cancer (Vicki is a survivor) and we are honored to be a part of this annual worthy endeavor. FIGHT BACK by getting involved!
Pet owners - please have your pets micro-chipped by your vet. It's the responsible thing to do for the pet you love. This one step will raise the likelihood of being reunited should your companion animal lose their way. VERY IMPORTANT - if you move, make sure to call the company you registered with and update your new contact information.
