**California Couple’s Unexpected Surprise: A Green Chick Joins Their Family**
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In a charming twist of fate, a couple from California experienced a surprise when they opened a shipment of ducklings ordered online, only to find a vibrant green chick nestled among them. The unexpected discovery quickly garnered attention on TikTok, where their experience amassed an impressive 2.9 million views.
Emily Strand, 28, recounted the moment, expressing her initial concern and excitement. “When I saw the chicken, I thought, oh no, the farm we ordered from must have made a mistake,” she explained. “But I was also thinking, oh sweet, I got a free chicken!” The couple, including Emily’s husband Justin, had never before ordered live animals online, making the surprise even more remarkable.
The pair had previously adopted a few ducks, with Justin having spent around a year caring for them as pets. However, this recent batch of ducklings marked just their second foray into poultry ownership. While Justin has a fondness for ducks, Emily holds a special affection for horses. She has had several throughout her life and has actively participated in caring for animals, including raising an orphan lamb and helping with her parents’ chickens.
Upon sharing their surprise on social media, the couple learned from experienced bird owners that the green chick was likely not a mistake at all. It is customary for hatcheries to include an extra chick in shipments of ducklings. This practice serves a practical purpose—providing additional warmth during transport to improve the survival chances of the more valuable ducklings, which are often insured during shipping.
The chick’s unusual green hue also sparked curiosity. Emily noted that it was probably due to an aerosol vaccination. The dye is intended to identify birds that have already received treatment, assuring that no harm was inflicted upon the chick, despite concerns raised by some social media users about its appearance. Speculation that it had been dyed for festive occasions or saved from being culled was unwarranted, as further insights confirmed its safe status.
In the end, the couple decided to embrace their new feathered friend. Emily revealed, “We did keep the chicken and named him Lucky.” The lively green chick became a beloved addition to their family and now resides at Emily’s parents’ home, where it has integrated well with their existing flock of chickens.
This delightfully unexpected turn of events serves as a reminder of the joyous surprises that can come from the most ordinary activities. As the couple reflects on their unique experience, they have shared not just a tale of an unusual pet acquisition, but also a lesson in caring for animals and the uncertainties of ordering livestock online.
As they settle into their new routine with Lucky and their ducklings, Emily and Justin continue to share their animal adventures online, offering a glimpse into their life filled with quirky surprises and newfound responsibilities. Their experience not only delighted viewers across social media but also highlighted the importance of understanding animal care, especially for those venturing into owning live animals for the first time.