I once saw this postcard as a kid, and fell in love with it.
It always made me wonder what would happen if Easter eggs did hatch.
I mean, is that where the idea of Peeps came from?
Seriously, though, in many parts of the world, including Central America, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, and China, brightly hued birds are sold at market. Some vendors believe that the colored chicks sell better than an average chick.
Some vendors also include a matching carry case for the rainbow chick.
In most cases, a non-toxic dye is injected into the egg with care not to injure the growing chick. Apparently no harm befalls the fowl in the dying process.
The dye colors their down, which is replaced by feathers as they grow older. When their feathers come in, the rainbow birds return to the typical coloring.
Which is good, I suppose, if you have a hacked off hatchling on your hands, mad at the world for mistaking him and his siblings for Peeps.
There you have it.
(P.S. Because I LOVED that postcard, I found it on Etsy and bought it! I plan to frame it and use it with our Easter decor).
Aside from that, I much prefer to keep my Easter coloring to coloring books.
Grace says
I’m glad they have found a non toxic die as the die they use to use did hurt the chicks. Interesting post and i love the postcard.
Tricia says
awwww I want rainbow chicks I luv them my kids would love them but they don’t stay little too long
luv the post
Lolo says
They are so cute! I want a blue one! Are you sure they are not harmed in anyway? O_o
Beth Larrabee says
I have to have colored chicks…seriously way to cute!
Karen says
Very interesting. When I was a little girl, they used to give away colored chicks at the hardware store at Easter, one per child in the family. My parents got them every year for us. When they grew up, they were dinner.
Courtney says
Very interesting.. Not sure I would be for it even if it’s no harm..
Pam says
That is unusual and different for sure. I still wonder if there is any harm to the chicks though.
Beeb Ashcroft says
They are adorable – as long as it doesn’t hurt the little chickies, I think it’s cute.
Closer to Lucy says
Adorable! nothing I would have ever considered….so sweet
Ty says
I’ve never seen anything like this before, but I do think they look very cute. I just hope the dye is water based. Thanks for sharing!
Tomi says
How beautiful but OMG I hope you’re correct in that the little chicks weren’t harmed in any way. Cute. Too cute.
ohkeeka [The Type A Housewife] says
I love Etsy–so funny that you were able to find that postcard on there! Those chicks are gorgeous, but I’m glad to hear that they dye is non-toxic. 🙂
Katie says
Oh my gosh..those are too cute. I probably would buy a colored chick…and just keep it as a pet! HA! I love the postcard and I love that you were able to find it on Etsy!
Zippy Sandler says
Awwww….KoolAid colored chicks
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
They look so cute!
Kathleen says
Oh my. That is one of the craziest things I have ever seen LOL. I can’t believe they actually do that to the chicks.
daisy says
Such cute little chicks. Thanks for sharing!
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Anne says
We always see bright colored chickens at the State Fair, and it looks very odd.
Karen says
They are really pretty!
Laurie says
That is so interesting although I am on the side that we should leave well enough alone. Still cute though!
Tori says
Wow not sure that I like this chicks are suppose to be soft yellow things 🙂
Jennifer says
Wow, while they look SO cute and gorgeous, I am afraid that it does do some harm to those poor little chickies 🙁
RJ says
I’m afraid my hippie/green side is coming out now. I feel SO bad for those chickes. 🙁 I think it does harm them. :/ Don’t mind me though. I drive my mother/dad nuts with my save the tree posters, vegan eating habits, and all the other stuff that I do to help make the world a better place. lol
Show Me Mama says
Cute but I wondered if it doesn’t harm them. Bright colors indeed.
HilLesha says
Awww, these pictures are so cute!
Megan says
I want a pink one! And I love that postcard too. Very cute!
April Decheine says
Wow, I have been researching my chicks for the past few weeks as to which ones I am getting, never heard of this!
Donna says
I did not know you could get colored chicks. They are so cute! And, I do hope it doesn’t harm them,though.
Penelope (NYC Mom Blogger) says
Oh my gosh, they are so beautiful! I love the rainbow chickies 🙂 Totally love it! As long as it’s safe for them, lol…but really so beautiful.
Crystal says
Interesting. Who would of thought to dye real chickens.
Robyn says
oh my goodness, such a cute post! Definitely brighten up my Monday. It’s interesting to also learn that some places do dye the real chickens, it’s a little odd but as long as it doesn’t harm the little chicks it’s pretty darn cute. Can you imagine walking along and seeing all those brightly colored chicks! 🙂
Shell Fruscione says
Those are so insanely cute it hurts. As long as it REALLY doesn’t hurt the chickens, I love that. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Liz says
Since it doesn’t hurt them, I think it’s really pretty cute!
Marcie W says
WOAH! I love that it doesn’t harm them because they look awesome.
Anna says
wow – science is amazing – wish they had these at our Farm park! 🙂